PNP monitors transport hubs

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is maintaining heightened operational readiness and road safety across major transport hubs and primary highways as millions of Filipinos return to urban centers after All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed all police regional offices to sustain foot and mobile patrols, man assist desks and monitor high-density choke points to deter opportunistic criminals and prevent vehicular accidents.

Nartatez noted that the extended security drive aligns with the directives of President Marcos and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to safeguard the traveling public, prevent crime and manage traffic flow.

“As travelers make their way back to their homes, schools and workplaces, the PNP remains fully mobilized to keep roads secure, maintain public order and respond swiftly to any incident that may disrupt travel,” Nartatez said. “Our priority is to ensure that every Filipino reaches their destination safely.”

Under the directive, police presence will remain concentrated in bus terminals, commercial seaports, airports, train stations and transport interchanges.

The instruction comes after massive crowds observed Undas, with data showing that over 1.16 million visitors gathered in Manila’s two largest public cemeteries alone on Nov. 1, alongside millions more who paid respects to deceased loved ones in provincial cemeteries nationwide.

Nartatez urged long-distance drivers and private vehicle owners to adhere to traffic laws, avoid distracted driving and practice rest stops to prevent fatigue-related road crashes.

“No destination is worth risking lives for,” Nartatez stressed. “We urge motorists to follow traffic laws, avoid speeding, never drive under the influence of alcohol, refrain from using mobile phones while driving and take adequate rest before long trips.”

“As we conclude this meaningful observance, let us carry home not only cherished memories of our loved ones but also a renewed commitment to protect one another through responsible and law-abiding behavior,” he said.

Fewer bus travelers

The Philippine Bus Operators Association of the Philippines (PBOAP) has reported fewer bus travelers during Undas compared to last year.

“There weren’t that many queues in bus terminals. It’s also observable that there are less travelers now,” PBOAP executive director Alex Yague said.

Yague said passengers may have taken advantage of the long weekend to spread out their trips over several days, allowing passenger traffic to be distributed over four to five days and ease the usual surge of travel demand during Undas.

PBOAP noted that another factor in the fewer bus travelers is the increase in private vehicles traveling to provinces.

“Maybe because the fares and tolls have been expensive. Friends and other passengers may have done carpooling, while others might have their pasalubong delivered to their loved ones in the province,” Yague said.

Despite the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board approving over a thousand special bus permits, Yague said passenger figures have not exhausted the travel demand this year.

PBOAP said Undas travel now had a lot of advantages, including good weather and road conditions for faster bus turnarounds.

No major accidents have been recorded over the weekend, Yague said.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) to deploy additional trains to assist at least 6,000 more commuters back to the metro.

According to MRT-3, 19 trains were deployed yesterday in anticipation of the expected increase in passengers returning home after Undas.

From Oct. 29 to Nov. 2, the Philippine Red Cross attended to 8,721 patients — Andrew Ronquillo, Rhodina Villanueva