DOTr ready for Holy Week exodus

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said yesterday it is prepared for the expected influx of passengers during the Holy Week.

In a statement, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the department’s aviation, railway, road and maritime sectors are ready for the increase in passengers during the five-day Lenten break.

Bautista said the Manila International Airport Authority is working with other agencies operating at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to ensure the safety of travelers.

“If there are flight delays, they should ensure that the passengers have food and drinks,” he said.

The Office for Transportation Security (OTS) said it would deploy assessment teams to monitor threats in various transportation facilities.

“The Transport Security Operations Center will also be activated for round-the-clock monitoring and responding to emergencies, as well as to ensure seamless coordination with other agencies and provide assistance to passengers,” the OTS said.

OTS administrator Ma.O Aplasca reminded passengers to ensure that their bags do not contain any prohibited items to avoid unnecessary delays at the screening checkpoint.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines earlier said they are expecting more than two million passengers for Holy Week.

The seaports are also ready for the rush of passengers, Bautista said.

“It is the same with the Philippine Ports Authority, they are ready for the influx of travelers,” he said.

The DOTr is coordinating with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board as well as local government units to ensure smooth traffic flow and the safety of motorists.

On Wednesday, transportation officials inspected the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, which is expecting more than 1.2 passengers during the Holy Week.

Meanwhile, Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco reminded government officials and employees not to forget their travel documents when traveling abroad for Holy Week to avoid getting inconvenienced at the BI counters.

Tansingco said government personnel should present the required authority to travel abroad to avoid getting offloaded before their flights. — Robertzon Ramirez