DoTC tightens security at public transport hubs

MANILA, Philippines—As Filipinos troop back to Metro Manila and other urban centers from the provinces this weekend, the Department of Transportation and Communications said it would tighten security at all public transport hubs to ensure the safety of passengers.

The DOTC also warned the public against carrying prohibited items, such as fireworks and deadly weapons, in their luggage, which may put others at risk.

“The DOTC and other agencies that regulate transportation all over the country will be uncompromising in enforcing the law against the movement of dangerous firecrackers, pyrotechnics, as well as firearms that may be illegally discharged in the New Year’s Eve revelry,” Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said in a statement.

On Wednesday, he said he had ordered the department’s attached agencies to step up security at airports, sea ports and land transportation terminals. He said the volume of people traveling within the country was expected to peak on January 2 and 3 as Filipinos return home from their holiday break.

He said the government would also crack down on the sale and transport of banned firecrackers whether by rail, road, sea and air.

“We will be on the lookout for people who may transport prohibited, but most-sought firecrackers such as Big Triangle, Super Lolo and equivalents, Mother Rocket, Five Star, Og, Pla-Pla, Pillbox, Goodbye Earth, and Atomic,” he said.

Passengers caught with the said prohibited objects would be persecuted to the full extent of the law, Roxas said.

The DOTC’s moves are in line with the government’s overall thrust to minimize, if not eliminate, injuries caused by fireworks and firearms as 2011 comes to a close.

Earlier this week, the Philippine National Police ordered its personnel to tape up the muzzles of their guns in a bid to curb injuries or deaths caused by stray bullets.

“We want to ensure that our people can travel back to their respective hometowns and be with their loved ones safely, in the most convenient manner,” Roxas said. “We will continue with this program during the other holiday breaks when people travel in large numbers,” he said.

He added that the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board would continue to conduct random drug tests at bus stations this weekend to make sure passengers are not put at risk by drivers under the influence of illegal substances while behind the wheel.