The transport strikes, organized by various organizations and militant groups, left commuters stranded in the cities Davao, Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and General Santos and several areas in the provinces of Davao, Cotabato and Agusan.
Jeepney operators were demanding a roll back in prices of oil and petrol and for the government to scrap the Oil Deregulation Law.
“Reports from our groups in different areas in Mindanao showed that thousands were affected by the strikes. We don’t want these things to happen, but we need to send a strong message to the government that poor people are suffering from high prices of oil and basic commodities,” Roger Santos, a militant leader, told the Mindanao Examiner.
The militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) said the transport strikes paralyzed about 95 percent in those areas. Bayan was backing the strikes called by the Pinagkaisang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Operators Nationwide or PISTON.
Aside from Bayan and PISTON, the protest was also participated by various militant groups such as the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap, Farmers Association of Davao City-KMP, Kilusang Mayo Uno, Gabriela, Promotion of Church People's Response, Consumer Alert, Anakbayan, Barangay Council for Women, and Kalitawhan.
In Davao, more than 200 protesters manned at least five different areas where they persuaded other transport operators to join the strike.
“We have anticipated such support from the people of Davao City and we are positive that the strike will be successful especially with the supports that have been coming from the drivers themselves,” said Jeppie Ramada, Bayan secretary-general.
Ramada said they have the support of the public.
“The drivers are not alone in the fight against the relentless price increases of oil. The broad support from the people who always bear the brunt of high cost of living will be with them,” he said.
There were reports of violence and the strikes ended peacefully later in the day, he said. (Mindanao Examiner)
No comments:
Post a Comment