NCRPO inspects NAIA, bus terminals for Holy Week exodus

After inspecting bus terminals and seaports, Metro Manila police turned their attention Monday to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Metro Manila police chief Director Nicanor Bartolome led the inspection of the NAIA Terminal 2 Monday morning, radio dzBB's Denver Trinidad reported. While Bartolome found no initial problems with the police security setup at the airport, he reminded the police there to remain alert and vigilant. He said police must secure not only passengers departing for the provinces and abroad during the Holy Week, but also those arriving in Metro Manila. Bartolome particularly instructed his men to be on alert against gangs preying on arriving passengers, the report added. 'Pabasa' Meanwhile, police in Manila took part in the yearly "Pabasa" at the Manila Police District (MPD) headquarters. Officials of the MPD held the yearly tradition at the MPD headquarters' lobby, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported. The MPD will also have its officials take part in the reenactment of Christ's Passion and death, with MPD officials led by district director Chief Superintendent Roberto Rongavilla carrying the cross, later this week. In a related development, bus drivers heading for the provinces this Holy Week received blood pressure tests in bus terminals before they leave, even as temperatures in Metro Manila continued to rise. A dzBB report said that in Quezon City, some drivers at the Araneta Bus Terminal underwent the blood pressure tests before being cleared to drive.

The Philippine Coast Guard advised passengers to be at ports two to three hours before their scheduled departure. Outgoing Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo also appealed to passengers not to bring heavy baggage with them if possible. "Huwag sana magdala ng napakabigat na bagahe. At sila mismo pumunta sa pantalan 2-3 oras bago lumisan ang barko (Don’t bring heavy baggage and be at the seaports two to three hours before the ship is scheduled to leave)," he said in an interview on dzBB. — RSJ, GMA News