Malacañang ordered concerned agencies to fully prepare for the upcoming Undas, covering increased police presence, K-9 units, sufficient transport options, and immediate aid for stranded passengers and emergencies, Executive Secretary Ralph Recto said on Monday.
Recto said the directives of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. are aimed at ensuring a safe, orderly, and convenient journey for the millions of Filipinos traveling to their respective provinces for the Undas (All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day) observance.
“Ang gusto ng Pangulo, ligtas ang bawat biyahe at may agarang tulong kapag kailangan. Hindi sapat na maraming masasakyan. Dapat sigurado rin tayong ligtas ang mga pasahero sa kalsada, sa pantalan at sa mga termina,” Recto said.
“Sa Undas, ang dapat iniisip ng ating mga kababayan ay ang pag-alala sa kanilang namayapang mahal sa buhay, hindi ang pangamba kung ligtas at may masasakyan ba sila papunta sa kanilang destinasyon,” Recto also said.
Recto said specific instructions were issued to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Health (DOH), and other relevant agencies to ready their personnel, vehicles, and services for the anticipated influx of passengers at seaports, airports, and terminals across Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
He said the Philippine National Police (PNP) was ordered to intensify patrols, security inspections, and other measures to combat criminality and address potential security threats while relevant agencies look into the possible implementation of random drug testing for public utility vehicle drivers, in accordance with existing laws and regulations, to help prevent accidents and ensure passenger safety.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), which expects around 1.5 million to 2 million passengers in different seaports, is activating the “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos” from October 29 to November 3 to attend to the needs of passengers and travelers.
Meanwhile, the DOTr, in coordination with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), is ensuring that enough buses are operating during Undas along with standby units to prevent passenger strandings.
The DSWD is ready to provide aid, including food packs, in case passengers become stranded, while the DOH has placed medical teams on standby to render emergency assistance.