Strike 'hardly felt' in Cebu City

The transport strike organized by some transport groups did not affect Cebu City yesterday, accord- ing to a Cebu City official.

In fact, the city was generally peaceful, said Councilor Dave Tumulak.

He said they monitored usual congestion on several roads even if the strike was in effect for a few hours.

Around 12 buses were deployed in several areas to ferry stranded passengers. However, these were recalled around 7: 30 a. m. after public utility jeepneys were seen plying the streets, he said.

“As far as Cebu City was concerned, we felt like there was no strike at all. We were over-prepared,” he said.

Yesterday morning, Tumulak said they monitored drivers who participated in the strike in front of a mall on N. Bacalso Ave. They were trying to convince other drivers to join them and blocked the road.

Tumulak said they were asked to hold their protest by the roadside, so they wouldn't obstruct traffic.

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 also noted a peaceful transport strike in Cebu yesterday.

Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, PRO 7 deputy regional director for operations, said that some drivers staged rallies but these were small, and they did not trouble commuters.

The drivers converged in Pardo, Mabolo and on P. del Rosario St., Lawas said.

Small groups of protesters were also observed in the cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

In a related development, Mayor Tomas Osmeña reminded the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV) that there's a law on suspending classes.

This, after some members of the public were confused if there were classes in the city or not.

The Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) had announced that classes would be suspended in areas affected by the strike.

This was disseminated by OPAV Chief Michael Lloyd Dino last Sunday night.

"There's a specific law for that and it doesn't say that Michael Dino can announce there are no classes," Osmeña said.

On their Facebook page, Jonji Gonzales, OPAV chief of staff, asked the mayor to stop spreading lies about the matter.

"To Mayor Tommy Osmeña: It has come to our attention that you are spreading misinformation to your constituents with regards the suspension of classes. Please be advised that the announcement to suspend classes 'in all affected areas' due to transport strike came from the OES," he said.

"Bullying, peddling lies and misinformation would not serve any good to the people of Cebu. Thanks, but no thanks, and good day. I suggest you relax and take a chill pill, Mr. Mayor," Gonzales added. /