Police forces across the country remain on highest alert status as security measures are still in place for the return of millions of Filipinos to their homes and workplaces in Metro Manila and urban areas from a long Holy Week break.

Aside from police security, Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), emphasized the need to extend assistance to other government agencies to ensure the road worthiness of passenger buses and other public utility vehicles (PUVs).

This, he said, includes the mental and physical alertness of the drivers as part of the road safety measures.

Earlier, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency reported that several PUV drivers tested positive during surprise drug tests in bus stations and terminals of other public transport vehicles. 

“Safe travel of millions of our kababayan remains our top priority. We remain on full alert status and our personnel on the ground are ready to respond to any peace and order and public safety concerns,” said Nartatez.

More than 98,000 policemen were mobilized to secure the Holy Week. Police forces across the country were also placed under full alert status until Sunday, April 5, as part of the security measures.

Among the focus of deployment were churches, tourist spots, major thoroughfares, transportation hubs and other places of convergence.

Assistance desks manned by policemen and other personnel from other government agencies are also in place along major thoroughfares and bus and other PUV terminals across the country. 

The bulk of the returning travelers is expected to be from Sunday afternoon to early morning on Monday. 

Nartatez said police commanders were directed to intensify their presence at major points of convergence to assist travelers and ensure their safe return to their destinations.

Peaceful and orderly

Nartatez said the observance of the Holy Week is peaceful and orderly across the country. 

While there were matters recorded relating to road and beach safety, he said there were no significant incidents that affected the overall police preparations to secure the long holiday break across the country.

“I commend all the commanders and personnel for a job well done. Our sacrifices, from planning to implementation of the security measures, really paid off and this was not possible without the dedication and hard work, especially of our personnel on the ground,” said Nartatez.

But he said the job is not yet done until such time that the situation in urban areas, transportation hubs and major thoroughfares normalizes after the return of the Holy Week travelers.

‘Cool ka lang’

Nartatez also urged all motorists to keep their cool as they start their, saying road rage will only put them and their family in trouble.

He also advised them to check the condition of the vehicles and refrain from driving when under the influence of liquor or if they are not feeling well. 

“We will continue to be vigilant and responsive until every traveler has safely returned home. The safety and well-being of our kababayan remain a priority,” Nartatez said.