Marcos orders tighter security, aid for stranded Undas travelers

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered government agencies to strengthen security at transport terminals and prepare emergency assistance for stranded passengers during Undas, as millions of Filipinos are expected to travel to their home provinces to visit departed loved ones.

In a statement on Monday, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said the directive includes deploying more police officers and K-9 units at major transport hubs, ensuring sufficient public transportation, and studying the possibility of random drug testing for public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers.

READ: LTO: 51 out of 52 buses in Metro Manila terminals pass roadworthiness

Article continues after this advertisement

According to Recto, the proposed drug testing should comply with existing laws and regulations, with the aim of preventing road accidents and protecting passengers.

FEATURED STORIES

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

NEWSINFO

“Having enough vehicles is not enough. We must also ensure that passengers are safe on the roads, at seaports and in terminals,” Recto said.

The Philippine Coast Guard expects between 1.5 million and two million passengers to travel by sea during the Undas period. Its Oplan Biyaheng Ayos will run from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3.

Recto directed the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other concerned agencies to prepare for the anticipated influx of travelers at airports, seaports and terminals across Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

The Philippine National Police was also ordered to intensify patrols, security inspections and other measures against criminal activity and security threats.

Article continues after this advertisement

Recto told the DoTr to ensure adequate public transportation and prepare additional vehicles if regular services cannot accommodate passenger demand. Additional vessels may also be deployed to transport passengers stranded at seaports.

The agency will coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to ensure enough buses, particularly on routes expected to experience heavy passenger traffic.

Article continues after this advertisement

Recto said the administration wanted Filipinos to focus on remembering their departed loved ones during Undas, rather than worrying about travel safety and transportation availability.

“If travel delays cannot be avoided, there must be someone ready to provide immediate assistance when disruptions occur, until they safely reach their destinations,” he said.

READ: Taxi drivers warned vs overcharging, other violations amid Undas rush

Meanwhile, the DSWD will prepare food, drinking water and other immediate assistance for passengers stranded because of bad weather, transportation shortages or other disruptions.

The Department of Health will prepare medical teams and emergency assistance, while the DILG will coordinate with local government units and the police to maintain peace and order.

Recto also noted the need for clear travel information, orderly passenger flows and personnel who can assist senior citizens, persons with disabilities, pregnant women and families traveling with young children.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Your subscription has been successful.

“Gasoline and basic commodities are already expensive. We should not allow our fellow Filipinos to incur additional expenses because of travel delays. Assistance, food and transportation must be readily available when needed,” he said. /jpv