By Aaron Recuenco The Philippine National Police (PNP) has set up more than 4,500 assistance desks across the country in preparation of the exodus of people to and from urban areas for the long weekend during the Lenten season. PNP spokesman Col. Bernard Banac said all the police assistance desks will be manned by at least two policemen with medical personnel from other agencies in order to address the needs of motorists and passengers. “As of April 10, there were already 25,723 policemen deployed to man these police assistance desks,” said Banac. The setting up of assistance desks, according to Banac, comes with security plans that were ordered crafted by the PNP leadership mot only for the Holy Week break but also for the summer, or dry season break. Part of it are road safety measures and security of residential areas and public places and other areas where people usually go not only for the Holy Week observance but also for those taking advantage of the long break for family vacation. On Wednesday, the PNP leadership also issued travel tips to travelers and tourists taking public transportation, as well as visiting churches, beaches and resorts: For those who are traveling using their own car, always follow these tips:

• Plan your drive, drive your plan. run the BLOWBAGETS checklist (Battery, Light, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires and Self)
• Install Smartphone apps that can be useful in planning a roadtrip by selecting the shortest and safest route; and identifying motorist assistance points, rest stops and location of police outposts.
• Vehicle documents such as Certificate of Registration (CR), Official Receipt (OR) as well as the driver’s license should be kept inside the vehicle in case of emergency and checkpoint;
• See to it that the driver had enough rest and in good condition before going on a long drive; and
• Keep calm while driving and always obey the traffic rules and speed limits.

For travelers using bus terminals, airports and seaports:

• Arrive early in terminals, sea and air ports when travelling with the elderly and children;
• Secure your tickets and passports;
• Avoid wearing expensive pieces of jewelry;
• Look after your belongings and constantly check them;
• Be alert against snatchers; and
• If possible, travel light.

For those who are leaving their homes during vacation:

• Don’t let many people know you are leaving your home unattended;
• Make sure house doors are locked;
• Make sure that appliances are unplugged;
• As much as possible, use burglars alarms or install CCTV. The PNP is urging the public to invest on high-security lock mechanisms to secure their houses; and
• Ask some force multipliers in the barangay (village) to check your house from time to time.

Banac said they also made some safety tips for social media users:

• Do not share flight information such as clear picture of your passport and flight details, if you must share, at least wait until you returned home from the trip.
• Keep your plans to yourself or your family and make meet ups private; and
• Do not post information of your trip real time, this may indicate that there is nobody inside your residences. You might have to delay posting your pictures/videos if you want to safeguard your belongings.