By Ephraim Aguilar
Southern Luzon Bureau
First Posted 12:21:00 07/30/2008
Read from INQUIRER website.
LEGAZPI CITY-- Bicol drivers accused government agents and "opportunist transport groups" for sabotaging their two-day transport strike, which started Tuesday to press for the lifting of the value added tax on oil and scrapping of the Oil Deregulation Law.
"Tumba-tumba" or metal spikes that could deflate tires were seen on the streets but Joel Ascutia, chairman of the Concerned Drivers and Operators for Reform (Condor-Piston-Bikol) denied they were behind these.
"The strike is a success even if government agents threw "tumba-tumba" [spread] and black propaganda on the streets to discredit us," said Ascutia.
He also showed pieces of crumpled paper thrown at them on the picket line.
"The paper contained jeers accusing us of being terrorists or part of the New People's Army, when we are a recognized as a national organization. This is the style of government agents," Ascutia said.
Ascutia said drivers were able to identify and photograph a green van with plate no. XKJ 643 as behind the scattering of spikes.
He said they did not expect the police to investigate those responsible for the spikes and the propaganda materials.
Superintendent Eliciar Bron, Bicol police spokesman, said roving policemen were able to recover spikes on the road but directly accused the striking drivers to be behind this.
"They are doing this to gain support by hook or by crook," Bron said in mobile phone interview.
On the first day of the strike, 98 percent of vehicular traffic in four provinces was paralyzed, said Ascutia.
Masbate drivers only held mass protests and vigils while those from Catanduanes were expected to join the strike Wednesday.
As of 10 a.m., classes were suspended in all levels in Catanduanes province and a protest march of drivers and activists were moving towards Virac town, Ascutia said.
Naga City drivers in Camarines Sur did not join the strike.
Ascutia blamed politicians, mostly from the administration, for pressuring some drivers to withdraw support.
Condor-Piston-Bikol is being supported by other local transport associations and militant group Bayan-Bicol (Bagong Alyansang Makabayan).
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