A traditional jeepney driver was mauled allegedly by protesters in Old Airport Area, Bacolod City.

Charlie Jalandoni, 39 years old, was punched reportedly by fellow drivers.

The drivers were on protest action anew against the implementation of apprehension of unconsolidated traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) deemed "colorum" (public transport vehicle operating without a franchise or in violation of it).

Jalandoni said that while he was plying his regular route, the rallyists flagged him reportedly and asked him to join the protest and stoppage of PUJ trips, but he declined.

The rallyists who are members of transport group Bacod-Manibela got irate and started punching him, he said.

In addition, Jalandoni complained of the loss of his jeepney boundary worth P5,000 he was set to hand over to the PUJ operator.

The rallyists further tore allegedly a hole in the tire of his PUJ to stop him from driving, he added.

However, the rallyists denied the allegations vehemently.

Jalandoni said there is a video on the incident as proof.

“Hindi talaga sila aamin. Pero may video na pinagkaisahan nila ako,” Jalandoni said.

Members of Bacod-Manibela said there are no bases to Jalandoni’s accusations especially on his lost money.

“Kasinungalingan iyan…bakit mo idineklarang nawawala ang pera mo? Baka nga may utang ka na P5,000 kaya kami ang pinagbibintangan mo,” Rudy Agsam Catedral, Bacod-Manibela president, said.

The two camps are set to file charges against each other because of the trouble that the tension created.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City Mayor Albee Benitez called out the attention of the driver-protesters. 

“If they want to protest, there is a proper way of doing things. Kapag may ginawang unlawful things, we will do [the] arrest,” Benitez warned.

As of May 22, 2024, the protest waged by Bacod-Manibela is going on.

The Bacolod City Police Office is expected to deploy additional personnel at protest sites to stave off a similar incident.