PNP eyes online platform for travel permit

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing an online platform where non-essential travelers, including locally stranded individuals (LSIs), can access documents for their local travel.

PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said they are working with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the development of the online portal dubbed as Safe, Swift and Smart Passage or S-PaSS.

Eleazar said the S-PaSS would allow LSIs and other non-authorized persons outside of residence to secure a travel authority or pass-through permit in areas where local government units (LGUs) impose travel restrictions due to the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 pandemic.

“Health experts said we will have to live with COVID-19 for a long time, which means that the requirement for a travel authority or pass-through permit would be inevitable depending on the situation in the LGU destination,” he said.

With S-PaSS, applicants will be required to fill out certain documents online which can be saved to their cell phones for presentation to police officers manning border checkpoints.

Eleazar said this means travelers need not go to police stations to secure their travel permit.

However, he clarified that those applying for travel permits should still present a medical clearance from the city or municipal health office where they came from.

Eleazar appealed to the public to check the travel protocols of LGUs where they intend to travel to avoid any inconvenience.