Negros drivers vow to paralyze transport

BACOLOD CITY – A group of drivers and transport operators in Negros Occidental vowed to paralyze public transportation in the province today, as part of a nationwide protest action against continuing increases in oil prices.

Jessie Ortega, secretary-general of the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center (UNDOC), said they would succeed in their goal even though Ceres Liner, the biggest bus firm in the province, refuses to take part in the two-day transport strike.

With their decision not to participate, Ceres Liner manager Rainer Ferales sought police assistance to ensure that their buses are able to ply their routes unhampered.

Joining UNDOC in the transport strike is the Federation of Bacolod City Drivers Association.

Gov. Joseph Marañon said the provincial government will provide transportation to provincial employees.

Education officials in this capital city said there will be classes in public schools despite the strike. Private schools have yet to make any announcement.

In Southern Mindanao, various transport and militant groups are joining the nationwide strike, vowing that more than 95 percent of jeepney and tricycle operators are taking part. Police are readying contingency measures.

In Zamboanga City, however, transport groups said they support the sentiments of protesters elsewhere in the country but are not taking part in the mass action. – Antonieta Lopez, Edith Regalado and Roel Pareño