PNP, transport agencies launch safe Christmas campaigns

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines — The Central Luzon police launched its “Ligtas Paskuhan 2024” campaign in the region to deter criminals from taking advantage of the Christmas season.

In northern Mindanao, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) are also readying “Oplan: Ligtas, Bantay Biyahe sa Pasko,” which will be implemented from Dec. 23 to Jan. 3, 2025.

Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Central Luzon regional police director, said around 3,000 police personnel have been deployed in assistance desks at transport terminals, commercial establishments, places of worship and community firecracker zones to keep peace and order.

The police force, Maranan said, would be augmented by more than 350 personnel from the Bureau of Fire Protection, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard and over 2,500 members of different advocacy groups in the region.

In Cagayan de Oro City, LTFRB 10 director Abosamen Matuan said field personnel would conduct random inspections on all public utility vehicles (PUV) for the safety of passengers.

Matuan warned PUV operators and drivers that overloading and trip cutting carry a fine of P1 million for buses, P100,000 for vans and SUVs and P50,000 for jeepneys.

LTO 10 director Nelson Manaloto also ordered field personnel to inspect garrages and terminals within the region to ensure the roadworthiness of PUVs.