NDRRMC on blue alert for Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Operations Center will be placed on blue alert in preparation for the influx of travelers this Holy Week.

Lenie Alegre, officer-in-charge of the NDRRMC Planning Division, said the blue alert would take effect from March 27 to April 1.

“The National Disaster Operations Center will be on blue alert status to monitor and coordinate with concerned agencies,” she said during a meeting of NDRRMC member agencies in Camp Aguinaldo Monday.

A blue alert places half of disaster management personnel on standby to ensure enough manpower in the event of an emergency.

Alegre said Office of Civil Defense regional directors have been instructed to prepare contingency plans and monitor the situation in their respective areas.

Various agencies also presented their plans to ensure the safety and convenience of passengers.

The Transportation department has launched Oplan Ligtas Biyahe, a nationwide operational plan during periods where passenger volume is high.

Transportation Assistant Secretary Dante Lantin said airports have been placed on high alert status to ensure the safety of passengers.

“More frequent inspections will be conducted by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines to ensure air worthiness of general aviation aircraft and private chartered aircraft,” Lantin said.

Public assistance desks have also been set up in airports to provide assistance to the pubic.

The Maritime Industry Authority will also issue special permits to shipping firms to allow them to send or deploy additional boats or ships to meet increased demand.

Passengers of vessels can forward their questions, concerns, feedback or complains to the MARINA SUMBONG hotline (0917-7862664)

Lantin said the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has also issued specal permits for additional bus units and routes.

The LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will monitor and inspect Metro Manila bus terminals and enforce its drive against unregistered buses.

Lantin said the LTO is now conducting safety audits of public utility vehicles about to leave terminals.

“Vehicles or drivers that do not pass these audits are not allowed to travel until the defects or deficiencies are corrected,” he said.

President Aquino is scheduled to inspect transportation facilities Tuesday  to monitor their condition and to get updates on preparations for the Holy Week passenger rush.

The president will visit Pier 12 in Manila North Harbor, Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminals 3 and 4 and Victory Liner Terminal in EDSA Pasay.

The Department of Health, meanwhile, has raised a code white alert in all public hospitals and centers for health development.

“Medical teams are ready for deployment. Emergency rooms are ready for admissions, " said Carmencita Baratin, representative of the agency during the NDRRMC meet.

The Interior department, meanwhile, will prioritize the monitoring of tourist destinations, religious sites, seaports, airports, bus terminals and other transport hubs.

Interior Director Allan Tabell said the Philippine National Police is ready to receive calls for assistance 24/7 through its Patrol 117 hotline.