Bacolod: A transport strike staged by a group of operators and drivers here on Monday remained peaceful and prompted a dialogue with Mayor Greg Gasataya, who pledged to address their immediate concerns. 'No untoward incidents were recorded, reflecting the orderly and peaceful conduct of the activity,' the Police Regional-Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) said in a report.

According to Philippines News Agency, members of the Bacolod Alliance of Commuters, Operators, and Drivers (BACOD)-Manibela, led by their president Rudy Catedral, held a protest rally near the Bata flyover before proceeding to the Bacolod City Government Center, where they met with the mayor and raised concerns about their members being left out of the list for government assistance. Mayor Gasataya assured the drivers and operators that the city would help convey their concerns to the relevant government agencies, including the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

City Administrator Mark Mayo reported that the city government deployed 13 service vehicles on six routes to assist stranded passengers from 6 a.m. until the evening. Despite some areas needing police presence to maintain order, the 'Libre Sakay' initiative was reported as peaceful, with positive feedback from the community.

In its report, the PRO-NIR noted that about 80 individuals, along with 50 public utility vehicles, participated in the protest rally that started around 7 a.m. and ended before 11 a.m. To ensure public safety and maintain order, the Bacolod City Police Office deployed a total of 151 personnel and a 56-member standby support force.

'The PRO-NIR remains steadfast in its duty to protect lives, maintain order, and uphold the rule of law, ensuring that lawful assemblies are conducted safely and without disruption to the community,' stated PRO-NIR Director Brig. Gen. Arnold Thomas Ibay.