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Friday, September 19, 2008
Transport group joins Mindanao peace drive
By Grace L. Plata
DAVAO CITY - Transport group, One-United Transport Koalisyon (1-Utak) has joined calls for peace in Mindanao, urging bus and jeepney operators to tie a white ribbon on their vehicles.
"Our members are doing it since this (yesterday) morning. It is a small and easy gesture that if done by only one person will not make much impact, but together we can deliver a message across that we are for peace in Mindanao," lawyer Vigor Mendoza, chairman of 1-Utak, said in a press conference Thursday after the launch of peace in Mindanao campaign.
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Mendoza, who arrived in the city for the launching of the group's project called "Holding the Line for Peace in Mindanao", said the campaign also seeks to educate Filipinos in Luzon and Visayas on the Mindanao situation.
"Most people outside Mindanao are not really aware of what's going on but we have to let them know in order to achieve peace in the country. If they see the white ribbons and more of it, they will be asking questions and that is an effective way to spread the word," Mendoza said.
He added that the group decided to join the Mindanao peace drive since they are also suffering from the adverse effects of the conflict.
Mendoza said the transport sector would be among those adversely affected if bombings will continue. "No business, no good quality of life without peace and order," Mendoza added.
Myla Sy, president of the Southeastern Mindanao Bus Operators Association (SMBOA), said bus passengers have decreased by 60 percent due to the bombing incidents and skirmishes in some parts of Mindanao.
"We are already burdened by the oil price increases and the bombings worsened it. It is difficult to convince the public that the terminals are safe because of recent incidents," Sy said.
Citing Weena Bus Lines as example, Sy said only 80 out of Weena's 250 units are now operating.
"It's difficult already. The drivers are dragged into the problem. There are few passengers now so it's really a dry season for all," Sy said.
According to her, precautionary measures are being adopted to prevent such incidents.
Sy said drivers and inspectors have undergone seminars to detect potential bomb carriers. She added that aside from the drivers and inspectors additional personnel has been deployed to help check passengers' baggage.
"We also placed warning stickers with the instruction on how the passengers can better protect themselves. So we are not the only ones doing the effort, the passengers would also be aware," she added.
Mendoza, on the other hand, said the group is now breeding bomb-sniffing dogs which will be distributed nationwide to interested partners.
"Right now, our consultants who are former military personnel and experts in this field are training seven bomb-sniffing dogs and there are nine more are coming. This will help our members and provide more security for the riding public," Mendoza said.
Mendoza said for now they will concentrate on propagating the message of peace nationwide.)(Sun.Star Davao/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Davao. (September 19, 2008 issue)
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