PNP issues tips for hassle-free trips

MANILA, Philippines - As thousands of people are expected to troop to provinces to observe Holy Week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) issued tips to ensure hassle-free trips.

Director Andres Caro II, chief of the PNP-Directorate for Operations, said the tips will be useful to motorists going to the provinces.

“Always remember BLOWBAG, which stands for Brakes, Lights, Oil, Water, Battery, Air and Gas,” said Caro.

He reminded motorists to ensure that their vehicles are in good condition by checking if their engines tuned up; their radiators watered and running properly; gas tanks filled up; head lamps, tail lights, electrical wirings and battery are in good condition; and their tires, including the spare, are properly inflated.

Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rosales gave safety tips to people traveling to the provinces.

Rosales advised the public to ensure that the doors and windows of their houses are locked to prevent burglary, and to see to it that all electrical appliances are unplugged to prevent fires.

He also directed police personnel manning police assistance desks to echo his reminders for the public to observe safety.

“While the NCRPO will be deployed in every road to concentrate on public protection and assistance, it is better for the public who will be visiting their provinces to observe the Holy Week to plan their movement to prevent untoward incidents such as accidents on the road and other forms of inconveniences,” Rosales said.

In Manila, city police officer-in-charge Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay advised people about to go out of town to trust their neighbors.

“Your friendly neighbors are the first responders in any event, whether against crime or calamity. Entrust your house to them,” he said.

Magtibay said one foolproof scheme against criminals is not to show signs that you have completely abandoned your residence. “Pretend that someone is left inside the house,” he said. – Cecille Suerte Felipe, Nestor Etolle