Private, gov’t vehicles helped ferry stranded commuters in Bacolod

Stranded passegers wait for rides in Barangay Maguikay in Mandaue City, Cebu, after jeepney drivers went on strike on Feb. 27, 2017. (PHOTO BY TONEE DESPOJO / CDN)

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Oriental — Private and government vehicles ferried commuters who were stranded by the public transport strike in Bacolod City on Monday.

Diego Malacad, secretary general of the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center, said at least 98 percent of public transport vehicles in Bacolod, took part in the strike.

But his claim was debunked by Senior Supt. Jack Wanky, acting Bacolod police director, who said that only 60 percent of public transportation units joined the strike since tricycle and taxi drivers decided to ply their routes.

The effect of the strike was also dampened by some private vehicle owners who helped pick up stranded passengers on the road.

Classes in both public and private schools in Bacolod were suspended, but most business establishments stayed opened.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said the city deployed 12 trucks and two tourist buses to ferry stranded passengers.

The buses and trucks were available from the barangay proper to Bacolod public plaza, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., he said.  SFM