Holy Week rush: NCRPO, Coast Guard mobilized; NAIA passenger traffic rising

Authorities are implementing various measures to ensure safe, secure, orderly, and solemn Holy Week for everyone.

- By AARON RECUENCO, MARTIN SADONGDONG, CHITO CHAVEZ, and DEXTER BARRO II

In Metro Manila, Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin, director of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), ordered all police commanders to personally supervise the police visibility and other security measures in the metropolis as the main bulk of travelers start to troop to transportation hubs, churches, and other places of convergence for the Holy Week.

The NCRPO had earlier mobilized over 10,000 policemen to secure Metro Manila, particularly transport hubs, churches, tourist destinations, major thoroughfares, and other critical areas.

Aberin instructed the police commanders to join their men on the ground until such time that Metro Manila residents and workers go back to work after the Holy Week break; and those who went on vacation in Manila go back to their respective provinces.

"My instruction is for senior police leaders of the NCRPO to hit the ground daily to ensure close supervision to deployed personnel. I want an NCRPO that is truly seen, heard and felt by the community toward the goal of a safe, secure and solemn Holy Week," said Aberin.

17,000 PCG men mobilized On the other hand, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has mobilized 17,000 frontline personnel to conduct pre-departure inspections in major ports and terminals for the Holy Week.

Commander Michael John Encina, PCG deputy spokesperson, said the Coast Guard has ramped up its security operations in major transportation hubs around the country as it raised its status to "heightened alert" to ensure a safe and smooth travel experience for travelers amid the Holy Week exodus.

"We have not monitored any vessel that failed to pass the safety standard. Before they conduct their voyages, we ensure that we have coast guard personnel deployed to conduct the pre-departure inspection," he said.

From 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, the PCG already recorded more than 146,000 inbound and outbound passengers in all seaports nationwide.