Bus terminals beefing up security

CEBU, Philippines -Security preparations in bus terminals have started full-swing in anticipation for the upsurge in the number of passengers who are going home in the provinces during the weekend to observe the All Souls’ and All Saints’ Day next week.

Both managements of the Cebu North Bus Terminal and the Cebu South Bus Terminal have added security personnel. Zosimo Jumao-as, manager of the North Bus Terminal, said they have added four blue guards on top of their existing personnel.

A thorough inspection of bags will be conducted by the guards at the entrance of the terminal to ensure the safety of the passengers. There will be guards assigned to patrol the premises to monitor suspicious persons.

Jumao-as said they have also installed eight closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic areas inside the terminal. He said the cameras will help them monitor the people inside the terminal.

CSBT manager Carmen Qujano said they have also increased personnel as well as security monitoring activities. She said they have directed their security personnel to be more alert for any possible threat during the peak days, which they expect on Saturday and Sunday.

Quijano is meeting the bus and V-hire operators to discuss possible problems such as shortage of buses. Safety, according to her, is also one of their top priorities in order to prevent untoward road accidents.

She urged bus and V-hire operators to ensure the roadworthiness of their vehicles. Land Transportation Office-7 director Raul Aguilos said that they are already coordinating with other agencies to promote passengers’ safety.

Starting today, Aguilos said, the LTO will be conducting road worthiness test, road safety lectures and roadside drug test.  (FREEMAN)