Jeepney driver and transport activist ‘Tatay Elmer’ dies

MANILA, Philippines — Jeepney driver Tatay Elmer, who was hospitalized after participating in a nationwide transport strike last September, has passed away, his social media handler confirmed in a post on Wednesday.

“Our hearts are heavy as we let you know that Elmer Miralles Cordero also known by many as “Tatay Elmer” has passed away peacefully on October 7, 2026,” his page handler said in his Facebook account at around 7:45 p.m.

His family also confirmed in a social media post.

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The 78-year-old driver was hospitalized at the Caloocan City Medical Center after he joined the first day of the two-day nationwide transport strike led by the Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston).

READ: 78-year-old Piston member hospitalized while leading transport strike

“He touched so many lives with his kindness and love,” the post said.

It added that, “Details for the memorial service will be shared soon. We kindly ask for your thoughts and prayers for the family during this difficult time,”

Tatay Elmer was among the six Piston members detained in 2021 after staging public demonstrations at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, or Edsa, Monument over the loss of their livelihoods amid the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.ic. /mr