Travelers bound for southern part of Luzon flock for the Holy Week at a bus station in Quezon City on April 14, 2025. (Santi San Juan)
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has set up more police assistance desks in major transportation hubs in Metro Manila as the number of passengers is expected to increase on Wednesday, April 16, after President Marcos ordered the half-day work for the Lenten break.
NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Anthony A. Aberin said the presence of police assistance desks is part of the intensified security measures to ensure the safety of commuters as they troop to bus terminals, airports and seaports in Metro Manila for their travel to their respective provinces.
“We have already deployed sufficient numbers of our personnel in transportation hubs, churches and other places of convergence that include commercial areas,” said Aberin in an interview over Radyo 630.
Around 300 churches were identified to be in need of security for the observance of religious activity by the NCRPO and Aberin said all of them are included in the security plan.
The NCRPO earlier mobilized more than 10,000 policemen to secure Metro Manila, the number is part of the more than 50,000 that will be tapped for Holy Week security nationwide.
“We already set up additional police assistance desks in selected major bus terminals. And our Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) will be deployed outside so that they can respond immediately in case of emergencies,” said Aberin.
Safety reminders
Millions of Filipinos are expected to travel this week, including around three million people who are expected to troop to seaports and airports across the country.
For those who would travel by land, the PNP reminded all travelers to prioritize safety and vigilance while traveling to their destinations.
For those driving their own vehicles, the PNP urges the public to observe road safety by following traffic regulations and performing necessary vehicle checks. Motorists are strongly reminded to apply the BLOWBAGETS routine before hitting the road:, Brakes, Lights, Oil, Water, Battery, Air (Tire pressure),Gas, Engine, Toolkits, Self (driver’s condition)
For commuters, the PNP advises them to be alert in crowded terminals and public transportation areas, safeguarding personal belongings, and reporting any suspicious activities to authorities immediately.
“Uniformed personnel will be deployed in bus terminals, seaports, airports, and other key transport hubs to maintain security and assist travelers,” the PNP statement read..
“With the expected surge of people traveling to the provinces, pilgrimage sites, and tourist destinations, the PNP reiterates its call for responsible road use and cooperation with law enforcement authorities to ensure a peaceful and accident-free Holy Week,” it added.
The PNP leadership earlier placed all police forces across the country on heightened alert status throughout the Lent.