Noy inspects airports, terminals ahead of ‘Undas’

MANILA, Philippines - President Aquino visited major transport terminals yesterday to check on preparations to ensure the safety and convenience of commuters going out of Metro Manila to observe All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

He inspected the North Port Passenger Terminal complex at the Manila North Harbor, the Southwest Integrated Provincial Transport System in Baclaran and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

Secretaries Joseph Emilio Abaya of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Mar Roxas of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Presidential Management Staff chief Julia Abad accompanied the President.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma said the President was satisfied with the measures being implemented.

Aquino had directed concerned agencies to ensure the safety and convenience of the commuting public, who will be going home to pay their respects to their departed loved ones this weekend.

Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Francis Tolentino briefed the President during his visit to the bus terminal in Baclaran, noting that the new system significantly eased traffic along EDSA.

He also cited the benefits of the terminal to both motorists and passengers, including lower fuel cost, reduced travel time and less air pollution.

Tolentino had a visual presentation of the terminal, including the restrooms, canine units, police station, prayer room, bike parking, LED board, free WiFi, kiosk and drinking fountains.

Full alert

The 148,000-strong police force was placed on full alert since yesterday.

Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr., deputy chief for operations of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said they have started deploying uniformed policemen in cemeteries.

“We are ready with our security preparations in all cemeteries all over the country. We expect to encounter the same problems like in the past, but our main goal is for the celebration to be peaceful and orderly,” he said.

Rojas said they are also securing bus terminals not only in Metro Manila but also in the provinces to prevent petty criminals from taking advantage of the situation.

He asked travelers to be on the lookout for unattended baggage as it might contain improvised bombs.

The 18,000-strong National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) would secure and maintain solemnity in 84 cemeteries in Metro Manila.

The DOTC likewise launched OPLAN Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2013, a centralized plan to ensure access to convenient, affordable, reliable, efficient, safe, and secure transportation during the break.

The Civil Aeronautics Board also conducted monitoring activities and installed help desks and documentation and ground Assistance roving teams to address passenger concerns and verify flight statuses.

The Philippine Red Cross has deployed staff members and volunteers to 127 cemeteries across the country to provide assistance to the public, PRC chairman Richard Gordon said.

A total of 38 ambulances, 182 first aid stations, 37 roving mobile units and 63 welfare desk were set up and mobilized as of yesterday.

First aid stations would  be put up along main highways and in bus terminals and ports.

“We do understand how Filipino families value the tradition of going back to their roots to pay proper respects to their dearly departed loved ones; and somehow, this is our way of showing our support to all of them,” Gordon said.

Keep children out of cemeteries

Meanwhile, the police urged the public not to bring their children to the cemeteries in Metro Manila, particularly in North and La Loma.

Chief Superintendent Dennis Peña, deputy director for operations of the NCRPO, said parents should have their children carry their school identification cards or at least a piece of paper with the name, address and phone numbers of the person to contact in case the children get lost.

“There are many children who roam around cemeteries looking for their parents and elders during All Saints’ Day so we are calling on the public not to bring them along this time,” he said. “They do not know yet the importance of the celebration at this early stage of their lives.” – With Non Alquitran, Reinir Padua, Ric Sapnu, Sheila Crisostomo