DOTC prepares security measures for Holy Week

More marshals will be deployed in transport depots nationwide to help ensure the safety of travelers during Holy Week, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said yesterday.

Ferdinand Lagman, DOTC Action Center chief, said the security and safety program known as "Oplan Kalakbay 2005: Kaagapay sa Paglalakbay" will be implemented from March 22 to 28.

The yearly program is aimed at securing seaports, airports, railway stations and bus terminals where hundreds of thousands of passengers are expected to converge for trips to the provinces, he added.

Lagman said bus terminals and ports will be tightly guarded, and baggage as well as the engines of buses will be checked to ensure that bombs have not been planted.

Cargo aboard ships will also be inspected to prevent overloading, which has often caused accidents at sea.

Lagman said a 24-hour help desk and network will be set up in strategic locations for the benefit of passengers on land, air and sea.

The help desks and monitoring counters will be equipped with basic first aid kits, radio transceivers and mobile phones, he added.

Lagman said the DOTC also is working on setting up information centers and first aid counters at gasoline stations along the North Luzon Expressway.

This is aimed at assisting motorists and other travelers heading to the provinces for the Lenten break, he added.

Other government agencies involved in the program are the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Metro Manila Development Authority, Philippine National Police, Manila International Airport Authority, Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority and Philippine Ports Authority.

Various socio-civic and volunteer groups are also expected to extend emergency medical and vehicle repair services to motorists on major roads leading to the north and south of the metropolis during the annual Holy Week trek to the provinces.