Strike’s 2nd day cripples S. Mindanao, Caraga

The second day of the three-day transport strike affected parts of the country yesterday although Southern Mindanao and the Caraga region were visibly the hardest-hit.

Demanding a rollback of fuel prices and a fare increase, as other transport groups elsewhere did, operators and drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) in the Caraga region caused nearly 100 percent transport paralysis.

In Nasipit, Agusan del Norte, the pahulay (strike) left passengers of vessels arriving from Cebu and Manila stranded, along with hundreds of commuters in the seaport town.

The transport stoppage forced schools, both public and private, to postpone their recognition rites. Private and government workers assailed local officials for failing to provide alternative transport.

Buses stopped plying the Cagayan de Oro, Davao and Surigao routes. The Butuan Auto Calesa Operators and Drivers Association, the Caraga Transport Federation and the Nasipit Association of Jeepney Operators and Drivers were among the groups which joined the strike.

Last March 15-16, striking drivers managed to fully cripple transport in Butuan City and adjoining towns.

In Cagayan de Oro, more than 90 percent of PUVs joined the pahulay. Commuters, however, got relief as authorities were able to field buses and military trucks to ferry them.

Local militant groups, which staged protest actions at three junctions, criticized the government for approving a 75-centavo fare increase which they said was "not enough."

In Southern Mindanao, particularly in Davao City, transport paralysis was placed at 95 percent, prompting the suspension of classes and work in private and government offices and the closure of certain business establishments.

Public transport also grounded to a halt in Davao del Norte, North Cotabato and General Santos City.

In Central Luzon, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) reported "minimal" participation of local transport groups to the nationwide protest action.

LTO regional director Jet Vitug said public transport in Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac which he visited, was visibly not paralyzed as strike leaders had threatened to do.

Before noon, Vitug said jeepneys, buses and tricycles plied their regular routes although local authorities, bracing for the strike, were able to field vehicles.

Senior Superintendent Nestor Bernardino, public information chief of the Central Luzon police, said no incidents of harassment and violence were reported, unlike in previous transport stoppages in the region.

In Pangasinan, the transport strike was similarly peaceful and was not seriously felt as a number of jeepney and bus drivers plied their usual routes. — Edith Regalado, Ben Serrano, Eva Visperas, Bong Fabe, Ric Sapnu, Cesar Ramirez and James Mananghaya