MMDA to deploy 2,600 personnel for Holy Week

MANILA, Philippines — More than 2,600 traffic personnel of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be deployed along major thoroughfares and in transport terminals in the metropolis ahead of the Holy Week.

MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said a total of 2,681 personnel would be deployed beginning today until April 18 to ensure the safety of motorists during the Lenten season.

“Most of the traffic personnel will be deployed along roads leading to provincial bus terminals, seaports and airports as well as churches,” Artes said.

The MMDA will focus on entry and exit points along the North and South Luzon Expressways, Coastal Road, MacArthur Highway, Mindanao Avenue and A. Bonifacio Avenue.

MMDA traffic enforcers will also be assigned to Redemptorist Church in Baclaran, Parañaque; Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City, and San Agustin and Quiapo chuches in Manila.

The MMDA enforced a “no-day off, no absent” policy during the Holy Week.

No Lenten break

Meanwhile, officers of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other major ports were prohibited from taking vacation leaves, in anticipation of the influx of travelers ahead of the Lenten break.

BI port operations division head Carlos Capulong said applications of BI employees for leave beginning yesterday until April 15 are deemed disapproved.

Capulong said applications for authority to travel abroad would also be denied.

“It is important that the BI continues to operate at full capacity at the airports to better serve the public,” he said.

Based on BI records, Capulong said passenger arrivals at major airports last week reached between 13,000 and 15,000 daily, higher compared to 9,000 a month ago.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Ed Monreal said law enforcement agencies at the NAIA would ensure the security of travelers during the Holy Week break.

The MIAA launched “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2022”in cooperation with the Philippine National Police Aviation Security Group and Office of Transportation Security.

Monreal inspected yesterday the NAIA Terminals 3 and 4 to ensure that security measures are in place.

He said doctors, nurses and public relations personnel were dispatched to assist travelers.