SunStar Publishing Inc.
MCIA General Manager Julius Neri Jr. advised travelers to thoroughly check their baggage for prohibited items, particularly bullets. He also recommended avoiding damaged or low-quality power banks. Passengers were reminded to strictly refrain from making any bomb-related jokes and urged to cooperate with airport security personnel.
Neri further said that passengers should arrive early for their flights, as a surge in foot traffic is anticipated starting Wednesday, April 16, with peak volumes expected over the weekend. Public assistance desks are operational in both domestic and international terminals to support travelers.Port and Cebu City preparationsIn Cebu City, Mayor Garcia inspected Pier 1 to check its readiness for the passenger surge. He told reporters that he was satisfied with the existing preparations of the port management. The mayor plans further inspections of city bus terminals and some churches on Wednesday, April 16.While concerns regarding holding area capacity were discussed with the Cebu Port Authority , Garcia expressed confidence in the CPA’s ability to manage passenger volumes effectively. To ensure public safety, personnel from the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and paramedics will be stationed alongside police officers at ports, terminals and churches.Garcia also reminded the public to prioritize safety due to the high heat index. He advised the public to stay hydrated and use umbrellas, and he encouraged them to use the Holy Week break for reflection and family bonding.Joint inspections involving the Land Transportation Office 7, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 7, Police Regional Office 7, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency 7 and the Highway Patrol Group 7 were also conducted on Tuesday at Cebu City’s two bus terminals as part of “Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025.”Surprise drug testsAt Cebu’s north and south bus terminals, more than 100 bus, minibus, van and taxi drivers underwent surprise drug tests. The operation was conducted by PDEA 7 in coordination with LTO 7, LTFRB 7 and HPG 7. The testing aimed to ensure passenger safety during the peak Holy Week travel season.Three drivers, one minibus driver from the south bus terminal and two bus drivers from the north bus terminal, initially tested positive for illegal drug use. These drivers will undergo confirmatory testing. LTO 7 will temporarily seize their licenses to enforce administrative penalties. PDEA 7 will recommend them for rehabilitation, while LTO 7 and LTFRB 7 will determine further administrative actions.PDEA 7 said that it will not file any criminal charges against the drivers, adding that it will continue its strict monitoring at terminals and ports, deploying K-9 units to check baggage for contraband.LTO 7, for its part, warned the public against patronizing “colorum” public utility vehicles for travel during Holy Week. LTO 7 Director Glenn Galario pointed out significant safety risks associated with colorum vehicles, as passengers often cannot claim damages in accidents involving them. He said these illegal vehicles operate as PUVs without the required government permits, safety checks and insurance. Their operators also do not pay taxes, he added.Authorities reported that apprehensions of colorum vehicles have already occurred since Oplan Byaheng Ayos began on Sunday, April 13. Operating colorum vehicles carries severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to six years and fines reaching P2 million.These coordinated efforts across transportation hubs come as thousands of Cebuanos are expected to travel to their hometowns and tourist destinations during the Holy Week break. Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel throughout the season. / DPC, JPS, AYB, EHP
Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cebu City police implement security plan for safe holy week 2025SunStar Publishing Inc.
Read more »
Agencies, LGU's in Cebu ramp up holy week securitySunStar Publishing Inc.
Read more »
Relax, recollect at Sheraton Cebu Mactan Resort this Holy WeekFOR many Filipinos, Holy Week is a time for deep spiritual reflection, solemn traditions, and cherished moments with loved ones.
Read more »
Reviving the chant: How Cebu’s ‘Pasyonistas’ keep a Holy Week tradition aliveThe age-old tradition of the Pabasa is slowly fading from many parts of the country but in some of Cebu's historical sites, faith holds its ground
Read more »
‘Tinieblas’ in Cebu: A Holy Week ritual of light, darkness, and hopeAmong the many Holy Week traditions observed in Cebu, 'Tinieblas' offers a quieter and more reflective experience, one that encourages people to slow down, reflect, and prepare for the light of Easter
Read more »
120 incidents recorded during week-long Holy week breakSunStar Publishing Inc.
Read more »