QC police deploys more men to bus terminals, malls

QUEZON City police director Chief Supt. Richard Albano high-fives a child inside a passenger bus during an inspection of the Araneta Center Bus Terminal in Cubao in preparation for Holy Week. MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has deployed more lawmen to the streets, particularly in bus stations and residential areas in preparation for the observance of the Holy Week.

At the Araneta Center Bus Terminal, more than 7,000 passengers a day were arriving daily to get a ride out of Metro Manila.

QCPD director Chief Supt. Richard Albano, who led an inspection of bus stations in Metro Manila Tuesday, said he expected the number to go up in the next days.

“We are deploying more uniformed and plainclothes policemen to areas like bus and train terminals, malls and churches to keep peace and order during the Holy Week,” he added.

Cubao police station commander Supt. Ramon Pranada said people have been arriving in droves at the Araneta bus terminal since Friday.

Since then, they have counted a total of 28,376 bus passengers, he told the Inquirer. The biggest number of riders was posted on April 12 with 9,194 passengers.

Pranada noted that in 2013, the majority of passengers flocked to the terminal on Holy Wednesday and Maundy Thursday.

Aside from uniformed policemen, two police dogs were also posted at the terminal.  The QCPD has likewise set up additional police assistance desks and motorist assistance centers to help both residents and travelers.

At the terminal, the police handed out leaflets to passengers containing tips for a safe trip and reminders against motorcycle theft and armed robberies.

“For those who are leaving behind their houses, we have our barangay watchmen and volunteer groups working with our policemen in keeping an eye on neighborhoods,” Albano said.