DOTC implements Holy Week security measures

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) launched yesterday its safety and security plan dubbed "Oplan Kaagabay sa Paglalakbay," aimed at commuters traveling to the provinces to spend the Lenten break with their families.

On orders of Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza, the DOTC has tightened its watch over transport terminals nationwide to ensure the public’s safety over the long weekend.

The DOTC had earlier inspected primary transportation terminals in Metro Manila to ensure that adequate security measures were in place to prevent possible terrorist acts against transport facilities. It also made sure there are enough buses, ships and planes to carry passengers safely to their destinations.

"I pray and hope that no harm would come to our fellow Filipinos as they observe the most solemn days of the Holy Week and Easter Sunday. I appeal to those who plan evil to desist from their intentions in the name of God and country. We assure our people that we are ready to ensure their safety and comfort in accordance to our official mandate," Mendoza said.

Assistant Secretary for Transportation Security Cecilio Penilla and DOTC Action Center chief Ferdinand Lagman led a team composed of representatives from various DOTC offices and attached agencies in inspecting all major airports, seaports, bus terminals and railway stations in Metro Manila. Similar teams conducted similar inspections in cities and principal towns in other regions and provinces.

Involved in implementing "Oplan Kaagabay" are representatives of DOTC’s line agencies, which include the Land Transportation Office, Air Transportation Office and the Marina. Also involved are the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group, the Maritime Security Group and the Philippine Coast Guard.

To ensure that there are sufficient buses, planes and ships for Holy Week travelers, the DOTC issued special permits to air, land and sea transport units to operate during the period. Help desks in various airports, bus and sea terminals were also set up to lend assistance to commuters.

Lagman said it is mandatory for passengers to pass through security and they would not be allowed to board buses, planes and ships if they refuse to have their baggage inspected.

The DOTC advised the public to be vigilant and report the presence of suspicious looking persons to avert possible terrorist and criminal acts. Unattended baggage should be reported immediately to the PNP’s hotline number "117" or the DOTC Action Center hotline "7890."

Meanwhile, the Department of Health has also issued a health advisory to the public yesterday, reminding people to observe proper hygiene and sanitation over the holidays, especially in food handling and preparation. DOH Undersecretary Dr. Ethelyn Nieto said that food spoils easily during the summer months as bacteria thrive in hot weather.

She advised the public to cook food properly and store it in cool places if it is not served immediately.

Foods sold by street vendors are also highly discouraged by the DOH advisory. — With Sheila Crisostomo