Militants rally in Davao to oppose PUV modernization program

SOME 20 protesters gathered in front of the Davao regional office of Land Transportation Office (LTO) to oppose the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program of the government.

In a statement, Davao City Police Office (DCPO) Director Alexander Tagum said that the Transmission Piston led by Toto Vulcan held a protest on Monday, July 17, to air their demand on the plan of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on elevating the physical standard of PUVs to better provide commuters a safer, environment-friendly and comfortable means of transportation.

Along with the Transmission Piston are members of Kadamay and Gabriela in bringing their concerns to the streets to oppose the plan on phasing out old jeepneys, fearing that drivers will lose their means of livelihood.

The militant groups also rallied their concern on defiance to the implementation of martial law in Mindanao and demanded for its lifting.

The rally, Tagum said, ended at around 10:55 a.m. with no untoward incidents.

"The rally in Davao City is just a complying activity as most of the SMR (Southern Mindanao Region) LLO leaders are in Manila to participate in a bigger rally during the State of the Nation Address (Sona)," Tagum said.

The program, according to the Department of Transportation, aims to replace vehicles that have been operating for 15 years or more. (SunStar Philippines)