Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista directed attached and sectoral agencies under his office to ensure the safety, security and comfortability of passengers and the activation of the said “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2023”, as passenger volume is expected to surge this coming Holy Week.
He also reminded passengers to come at the airport three hours ahead for international flights and two hours for domestic flights, in order to allow ample time for security checks and other airport procedures that are required.
For its part, the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) stepped up security measures implemented across the country.
OTS Administrator Undersecretary Ma.O Aplasca ordered the cancellation of leave of more than 2,400 OTS airport frontliners nationwide.
He also ensured the deployment of transport security auditors in civil aviation, maritime, land and rail, to check on whether transport operators implement adequate security measures in line with the national and international requirements.
Beginning April 1, OTS spokesperson Kim Alyssa Marquez said that they will deploy Threat and Vulnerability Assessment teams to monitor threats in various transportation facilities. Transport Security Operations Center shall likewise be activated for 24/7 monitoring and responding to security emergencies, as well as to ensure seamless coordination with other agencies and provide assistance to passengers.
Usec. Aplasca also reminded passengers to personally pack their bags and ensure that it does not contain any prohibited item to avoid unnecessary delay at the screening checkpoint.
“We would like to once again remind passengers to personally pack their bags, para maiwasan ‘yung may maiwan na hindi dapat na nasa bag, and be a smart traveller by checking on the OTS prohibited items list before your scheduled flight. It’s posted on our website and our social media platforms, so that these items will not be confiscated anymore. Our tip is that, if you don’t need it, then just leave it at home.” Aplasca said. (JERRY S. TAN)
