Task Force Undas in place for Nov. 1 and 2

CEBU, Philippines - Task Force Undas in Central Visayas yesterday assured the public that they are ready to secure the airport, ports and terminals during the celebrations of the All Saints’ and All Souls’ days.

The creation of Task Force Undas was formally announced in yesterday’s meeting of the Regional Management Council-7 presided by Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete.

The RMC-7 is composed of the regional directors of the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Philippine Ports Authority, Cebu Ports Authority, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, Office of Transportation Security and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

At the MCIA, Villarete said they will activate help desks and public assistance centers at the domestic departure and arrival areas to assist passengers and answer queries from the public.

The airport expects to deal with a lot of chance passengers and stranded passengers around this time and usually allows them to stay inside the departure area up to the check-in counter to minimize their inconvenience.

Villarete also said in the event that there will be a shortage of taxis and cars for rent at the airport they will field buses to serve the riding public.

Villarete said they will also establish centers where the public can ask for assistance against any abusive drivers during the celebrations.

LTFRB-7 Regional Manager Ahmed Cuizon said they are also closely coordinating with the LTO in addressing the problems with buses and Public Utility Jeepneys.

They are ready with special permits for buses and PUJs to operate outside their travel lines to address any possible shortage of vehicles.

LTO-7 Regional Director Raul Aguilos said that he formed two task forces to monitor the buses and PUJs plying the different towns and cities in Cebu Province.

They also assured the public that they will watch against the overloading of buses and PUJs that are sometimes blamed for road accidents.

Officials of MARINA and Philippine Coast Guard are also closely coordinating each other in monitoring passenger vessels plying the neighboring provinces.

MARINA also assured to issue special permits for additional fielding of ships with the increasing number of passengers during the holidays.   - (THE FREEMAN)