P-Noy inspects NAIA-3, bus depot

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino conducted surprise inspection visits at airport and bus terminals in Pasay City yesterday to ensure that proper security measures are in place for the All Saints’ Day weekend.

The President made stopovers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 and Philtranco bus terminal and expressed satisfaction over the preparations.

He checked security procedures as well as the convenience of passengers waiting for their flights, and also inspected the X-ray machines, toilets and other facilities at the airport.

Aquino also inspected the Oplan Help Desk located at the airport composed of a medical team from the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

He said that some portions of NAIA-3 still need repairs, but gave assurance that everything will be done within his term.

At the Palace, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte assured the public that all government agencies concerned with the annual observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ days have been doing the necessary preparations for a peaceful and orderly celebration.

Valte said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has already beefed up security by ensuring police visibility in public cemeteries that are expected to draw huge crowds on Nov. 1 and 2.

PNP chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome also inspected several cemeteries, the Araneta Bus Terminal in Cubao and NAIA yesterday.

He instructed all Regional Directors (RDs) of Provincial Regional Offices (PROs) as well as the Highway Patrol Group to establish road assistance centers and deploy route safety marshals in major thoroughfares leading to cemeteries and other areas of public convergence.

He said the PNP intelligence, counter-intelligence and police operations will be intensified to preempt terrorist activities.

The chief PNP also ordered the RDs to provide security coverage to power plants, telecommunication relay stations and other vital installations and implement active defense against communist terrorists who may take advantage and attack lightly defended installations.

He said Public Assistance Hubs will also be established in coordination with other government agencies as part of the PNP’s public service for the general public and motorists.

PRC sets up welfare desks

As this developed, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) chairman Richard Gordon said they are providing first aid and ambulance services to ensure the safety of people visiting the cemeteries and memorial parks nationwide.

Gordon has directed all Red Cross personnel to be on alert during the long weekend.

“We have to ensure that everyone is safe and can access emergency response, in case of any untoward incident,” he said.

The PRC is also setting up welfare desks to facilitate tracing of missing persons and other needs of the public, especially the elderly, children and persons with disability.

The PRC has so far set up 263 first aid and welfare stations in 137 cemeteries nationwide to be manned by more than 1,300 Red Cross staff and volunteers from 38 chapters.

The PRC Blood Services has also alerted all its regional blood centers and facilities in the country to ensure adequate supply of safe and healthy blood.

First aid stations will also be placed in major bus terminals, port areas and other high traffic areas. Ambulances will be dispatched to drive around major highways starting Oct. 30 up to Nov. 4.

Vigilance

Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reminded international travelers to arrive at the airport three hours before departure to avoid being stuck in long queues that might result in missed flights.

BI Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. said that they are expecting many people to spend the long weekend in other countries.

The Bureau of Customs-Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS), on the other hand, gave assurance that they would continue to be on alert to thwart possible efforts of smugglers to bring contraband into the country.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje, on the other hand, reminded all local government officials to enforce the ecological solid waste management law.

The government is expecting tons of garbage in cemeteries, which would pose a big problem after the occasion.

At the House of Representatives, Zambales Rep. Milagros Magsaysay called on the PNP to be vigilant against petty criminals and burglars who will take advantage of travelers visiting the graves of their departed loved ones in the provinces this long weekend.

She added that families heading for the provinces for the long weekend should also be wary of leaving their homes unattended and first make sure their houses are secure.

– Evelyn Macairan, Mayen Jaymalin, Paolo Romero, Michael Punongbayan, Cecille Suerte Felipe