Security tightened at transport terminals as exodus peaks
12/22/2009 | 09:15 AM
Security was tightened further as transport terminals nationwide became busier as the yearly Christmas exodus continued to peak Tuesday.
Radio dzBB reported that in Metro Manila, Director Roberto Rosales, head of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), ordered his men to assist security officers at bus terminals, airports and seaports.
In-house security in bus terminals also became stricter in inspecting passengers and baggage.
On the other hand, bus firms started increasing their trips to the provinces, adding up to 10 buses per route to destinations in Bicol and Visayas.
At the Araneta Bus Terminal in Quezon City, in-house security personnel were fortified with new K-9 units to sniff out drugs and deadly weapons.
Passengers from the provinces arrived as early as 3 a.m. Tuesday and waited for taxis or relatives to fetch them.
Dispatchers said they had been fully booked since Monday night, adding up to 7,000 passengers were at the Araneta Bus Terminal Monday.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had given some bus operators special permits to allow their units to ply routes to the provinces.
At sea ports, up to 5,000 Coast Guard personnel were deployed to secure passengers taking seacraft.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Department advised passengers to go to the air and seaports early for security checks. - RSJ, GMANews.TV
Radio dzBB reported that in Metro Manila, Director Roberto Rosales, head of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), ordered his men to assist security officers at bus terminals, airports and seaports.
In-house security in bus terminals also became stricter in inspecting passengers and baggage.
On the other hand, bus firms started increasing their trips to the provinces, adding up to 10 buses per route to destinations in Bicol and Visayas.
At the Araneta Bus Terminal in Quezon City, in-house security personnel were fortified with new K-9 units to sniff out drugs and deadly weapons.
Passengers from the provinces arrived as early as 3 a.m. Tuesday and waited for taxis or relatives to fetch them.
Dispatchers said they had been fully booked since Monday night, adding up to 7,000 passengers were at the Araneta Bus Terminal Monday.
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had given some bus operators special permits to allow their units to ply routes to the provinces.
At sea ports, up to 5,000 Coast Guard personnel were deployed to secure passengers taking seacraft.
Meanwhile, the Transportation Department advised passengers to go to the air and seaports early for security checks. - RSJ, GMANews.TV
