Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 21) — Fewer passengers flocked the usually busy Araneta bus terminal this year than holidays in 2016.
Compared to the usual holiday rush, Araneta Bus Terminal has been relatively calm as of Thursday evening and is less congested compared to the past.
Bus operators said passengers decreased this 2017 holiday season. They said it could be because of looming tropical storm “Vinta,” which is threatening to dump rains in the Visayas and Mindanao.
Authorities expected some 6000 passengers to arrive at the terminal on Thursday. They said the number may balloon by Friday and over the weekend.
Araneta bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City serves 17 bus lines. It is a jump-off point from Metro Manila to other parts of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
Despite the fewer passengers, terminal operators said air-conditioned buses are all fully-booked until December 30. Last-minute passengers, however, may take ordinary buses.
Security is also very tight as police are stationed in various parts of the terminal.
To avoid inconvenience, passengers are reminded not to bring prohibited items such as flammable materials, and sharp, bladed or deadly weapons in their luggage.
Meanwhile the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) was also relatively calm Thursday evening.
While the influx of travelers in the morning resulted in flight delays ahead of the long Christmas weekend, passengers at night were able to breeze through NAIA 3’s entrance doors.
Lines at airline check-out counters were relatively normal given the holiday rush.
Traffic outside the terminal’s driveways for passenger pickups and dropoffs also moved smoothly.
Passenger arrival is expected to peak on Friday, ahead of the holiday weekend.
NAIA General Manager Ed Monreal has instructed employees to ensure all counters are manned.
He also ordered technicians to ensure all baggage carousels are working properly to avoid delays in picking up passengers’ luggage.
NCRPO on full alert status
Meanwhile, Metro Manila Police are also bracing for the holidays.
Days before Christmas, Metro Manila Police Head Oscar Albayalde made rounds in the region’s most crowded areas to ensure public safety.
“Tinitiyak lang natin. Gusto natin matiyak yung mga pulis natin nasa kalsada to ensure yung safety ng ating mga kababayan,” he said.
[Translation: We just want to ensure. We want to ensure our men are on the streets to ensure the safety of our countrymen.]
He also gave his men a stern warning against texting or staying idle on the job.
“Mahigpit nating pinagbabawal sa kanila yung pagtetext. Yung nasa isang sulok lang at walang ginagawa or yung mga nasa loob lang ng convenience store at walang ginawa kundi maglaro sa kanilang cellphone,” he said.
[Translation: We strongly prohibit texting on the job. They’re not allowed to stay idle in the corner or in the convenience store and just play with their phones.]
Overall, 10,000 police forces are in key points in Metro Manila, with some help from the regional public safety battalion.
Albayalde says while there are no reported terror threats, the police are closely monitoring public areas.
“Naka full alert status pa rin tayo at wala tayong holiday breaks dito sa NCRPO,” he said.
[Translation: We’re on full alert status and there are no holiday breaks at the NCRPO.]
Albayalde says the full alert status will remain until the feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9.
CNN Philippines’ Xianne Arcangel, Anjo Alimario, and Triciah Terada contributed to this story.
