Southern Star Bus Transit Inc. issued a warning to local transport operators in Panglao which have been blocking the firm’s entry into the town, saying it will not hesitate to file charges against those who harm its drivers.
Southern Star is set to reestablish its Tagbilaran-Panglao route in April but some if its drivers are still wary of attacks from jeepney drivers who have cried foul over the firm’s operations in the town which they said affected their livelihood.
It was previously reported that local transport groups intimidated Southern Star personnel while some of its units were stoned when passing through several areas in Panglao during the company’s brief operation in the town in 2016.
According to Jade Seballos, legal and media relations manager of Southern Star, the company will immediately take legal action against those who will harm or threaten its employees.
Southern Star’s reentry into Panglao was put in motion in anticipation of the town’s projected transportation boom due to the impending start of the Panglao Bohol International Airport later this year.
For her part, Southern Star administrative manager Fritzie Labastilla said that they are planning to use five buses for the company’s daily operations in Panglao.
The resumption of the Tagbilaran-Panglao trips came after the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) granted the firm a franchise for the route.
LTFRB 7 chief Ahmed Quizon earlier this year announced that Southern Star is all set to resume operations in the town as the agency had issued the franchise. (AD)