Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, April 9) — As the long weekend draws to a close, public places remain watched by uniformed personnel who are ready to assist in emergencies. The Philippine National Police said their focus remains on places of convergence such as churches, terminals, and ports.
“Mananatili yung heightened alert ng pambansang pulisya hanggang April 11 dahil inaasahan po natin na hanggang April 10 ng gabi, hanggang madaling araw po ng 11 ay may magbibiyahe pa rin po papuntang Metro Manila,” PNP spokesperson PCol Jean Fajardo said on Sunday.
[Translation: Heightened alert will be in place until April 11 because we expect that from the evening of April 10 until early morning of April 11 there will be people traveling to Metro Manila.]
Police advised motorists headed back to the city that aside from ensuring that their vehicles are roadworthy, they should be fit to drive as well.
“At syempre yung mga gumagamit ng sariling sasakyan na nasa kundisyon yung kanilang mga sasakyan, yung mga nagmamaneho po ay siguraduhin na hindi puyat o nakainom para maiwasan yung mga aksidente,” Fajardo added.
[Translation: Of course, those who are using private vehicles should ensure that these are in proper condition, and that those driving must not be sleep-deprived or drunk, to avoid accidents.]
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard said the heightened alert status in its districts, stations, and sub-stations will continue until May 31 in anticipation of tourists arriving by sea for summer vacation.
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is also on standby for any untoward incidents on the road.
“We’re just monitoring yung crowded terminals and mga nasisiraan sa kalsada because it would also cause traffic and congestion pag may nasisiraang mga sasakyan. Naka-standby rin ang ating mga towing trucks, naka pre-position in case may mga masisiraan,” said Victor Nuñez, MMDA traffic discipline office director for enforcement.
[Translation: We’re monitoring crowded terminals and those who have vehicle troubles because that would also cause traffic and congestion. Tow trucks are also on standby for those who need help.]
Authorities said the increase in deployed personnel will continue until May as more people get back to traveling amid easier COVID–19 restrictions.
