North bus terminal closes gates

The entrance and exit gates of the Cebu North Bus Terminal in Mandaue City  will be closed starting today, Oct. 31 until Friday, Nov. 2.

Passengers can enter through the center gate, where railings will be set up to ensure that people fall in line.

These new rules are intended to  avoid the rush of passengers to the terminals for their out-of-town All Saints and All Souls Day holiday trips, said Nemesio Lumapac, bus terminal supervisor.

The gates will only be opened when a bus enters or leaves the terminal.

Private vehicles, taxis and other passenger vehicles that unload passengers can only do so outside the terminal.

People scrambling to get a seat on the bus is a common sight during the annual exodus of  families heading to cemeteries to pay their respects to departed loved ones or those out to enjoy the long holiday.

Lumapac said the change in policy was needed because of past experience where an unlimited number of taxis and private vehicles would enter the terminal, squeezing space for buses and thousands of passengers.

In the confusion some passengers lose their belongings to thieves.

“It’s difficult to monitor the crowd when everyone is in a state of disorder. That’s why we have to enforce lines so we can easily spot any bad elements,” said Lumapac.

Flora Sumayang, 65, yesterday decided to beat the rush and travel with her 10-year-old grandson to Bato, San Remigio town in northwest Cebu.

“We want to avoid the crowd. It’s better to go home early also so that my grandson can enjoy a longer vacation,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Mandaue City Police is not taking any chances since criminals have no respect for the dead and strike even during All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days to victimize the living and even the dead.

Supt. Crisaleo Tolentino, MCPO’s chief of operation said a full alert status is in effect.

Even with police visibility, Tolentino urged the public to be extra vigilant as they head to the terminals and cemeteries to mark the occasion.