Criminal raps filed vs. 6 members of NADSU for ‘coercing’ drivers

Criminal charges were filed yesterday before the Municipal Trial Court in Cities against six striking jeepney drivers after they were caught allegedly throwing nails and spikes on the roads to force other drivers to sympathize and participate in the transport strike.

This as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board prepares actions against drivers who abandoned their routes by joining the transport strike the other day.

Cebu City Prosecutor Nicolas Selllon approved the filing of the criminal complaint against Caesar Mangapis, Willy Maraviles, Rolando Yuson, Rolando Canbalida, Ramil Jamili and Joel Aniñon for the crime of grave coercion and violation of the city traffic code.

But the drivers were immediately released after they posted P2,200 bail each for the two charges.

The six drivers, who are members of the striking transport group, Nagkahiusang Drayber sa Sugbo, were arrested by the members of the Pardo Police Station last Monday along Sabellano Street after they were caught throwing nails and spikes on the street to damage the tires of the vehicles that pass by the area especially of public utility jeepneys.

The accused allegedly did it to force other PUJ drivers to stop plying their routes and support the transport strike.

The members of the Pardo Police Station, led by SPO4 Sanrico Jolejole immediately responded upon receiving a telephone call from a concerned citizen complaining against the striking drivers who are throwing the spikes on the road.  

On the other hand, LTFRB-7 director Romulo Bernardes said their office is waiting for the City Traffic Operations Management and the Land Transportation Office to submit the list of drivers who did not ply their routes last Monday to join the strike and people’s protest.

Bernardes said as soon as they have the list, they will conduct thorough investigation and if proven that the drivers abandoned their routes, they will be facing cancellation of their franchise.

He said drivers have an obligation to the public contained on their Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

The transport strike reportedly paralyzed cities Mandaue, Lapulapu and Talisay where many passengers, especially workers and students were stranded. – Fred P. Languido, Ferliza C. Contratista and Jessica Ann R. Pareja/WAB