Central Visayas Execs Ready Safe Travel with ‘Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2015’

Central Visayas officials ready to implement “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe: Undas 2015” to ensure the public of safe land and sea travel during All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Among the agencies involved in the safety of travelers during the holidays are the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Cebu Port Authority (CPA).

Commodore Enrico Evangelista, PCG 7 chief, said all CG units in the region were placed on heightened alert starting Monday in anticipation of the influx of passengers during the weekend.

“Passenger Assistance Centers are activated at CG Stations, sub-stations and ports where increase in the number of passengers is expected,” he said.

He said CG floating assets and rescue personnel are on standby to respond to any emergency.

Evangelista also warned vessel owners and operators against accommodating excess passengers and reminded sea travelers to patronize only legitimate vessels.

LTO 7 Director Arnel Tancinco said they’re coordinating with the Cebu provincial government, which owns the Cebu South Bus Terminal; the Cebu City Police Office; and the LTFRB 7 for the conduct of road safety and road worthiness inspections from Oct. 26 to Oct. 30.

Tancinco said all LTO district and extension offices have been instructed to coordinate with their respective provincial police offices to conduct similar inspections.

Tancinco said all enforcers and deputized agents are directed to provide assistance to all passengers while insuring road safety to all public transport from Oct. 31 to Nov. 3.

LTFRB 7 Director Rey Elnar said they will inspect all terminals in Cebu City on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31.

He said they will also check the documents of public utility vehicles inside terminals to prevent colorums from operating.

CPA Police Chief Glenn Sarador said they’ve deployed personnel in every Port Management Office and three port police officers at the CPA Operations Center, which is open 24 hours.

From Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, the CPA will deploy 44 additional security personnel at the passenger terminals in the Cebu port. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS