DOTC to implement port security measures

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) will implement security measures for all land, air and sea ports to protect passengers in their travels during the Holy Week.

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza also ordered attached agencies to implement a cleanliness program to complement the security plan.

Mendoza said the security program will be part of the Oplan Kaagapay sa Paglalakabay 2006 (Kalakbay) project of the agency.

He will lead the launching of the project, which will start on April 11 and end on the 17th "to ensure the convenience, safety and security of passengers going to the provinces."

Mendoza said Oplan Kalakbay, a yearly undertaking of the DOTC in coordination with its sectoral offices and attached agencies, is designed to ensure security and assist motorists and the general public during their travel to the provinces during the observance of the Lenten season.

Mendoza said the initiative is part of the continuing campaign to foster convenience, safety and security in the country’s transportation systems and enhance government responsiveness to public needs.

The project, he said, will involve the setting up of 24-hour help desks and assistance networks at all terminals across the country as well as in strategic locations in all the regions.

The DOTC Action Center will deploy field personnel and mobile patrols along major strategic areas to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and the security of passengers, particularly at major seaports, airports, and bus terminals and to guarantee the orderly boarding of passengers to the provinces.

The teams shall be equipped with basic first-aid-kits, radio transceivers and mobile phones. They will be monitored round the clock by the DOTC Action Center Commend Center.

DOTC Action Center field personnel will be augmented by non-government organizations, civic groups, and radio civic communications groups.

DOTC spokesman Thompson Lantion urged the public to call the DOTC Action Center Hotline 7890 or 02-7890 (cell phones and long distance calls) for complaints and to report anything suspicious.

Lantion said inspection of baggage will be conducted at airports, seaports and bus terminals.

He also appealed to the public to be extra patient and to cooperate with the inspection officers checking their baggage. "This for their own good and safety."

Mendoza also issued a memorandum to all heads of attached agencies under the DOTC for the Oplan Kalinisan program focusing on sanitation and cleaning of facilities at all airports, seaports, bus stations, rail stations and government agencies during the Lenten break.