The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said it had activated its Holy Week safety assistance operation to ensure immediate response should any emergency arise while people are traveling to the provinces or visiting churches.
“We expect increased people mobility in places of worship, recreational areas, ports and terminals with traffic congestion on major roads and highways,” PRC chair Richard Gordon said.
First aid stations
“We want to ensure the safety of the public by setting up first aid stations, ambulance services and welfare desks in areas where people are likely to converge,” Gordon said.
“We want to ensure that help will be readily available should any need arise.”
The Red Cross has also put up first aid stations and welfare desks in gasoline stations and on highways to help motorists in trouble.
Laws on safe driving
The Philippine National Police stressed the importance of following laws on safe driving and wearing safety equipment.
PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. cited three laws pertaining to motorists’ safety—Republic Act No. 8750 or the mandatory usage of seat belts; RA 10054 or the mandatory usage of helmets by motorcycle riders; and RA 10586, which penalizes motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs.
“We would like to stress that by observing these laws and our summer vacation tips, our travelers can have a safe and pleasant journey during the Holy Week,” Cerbo said.
Earlier, the PNP reminded the public to exercise restraint in posting their whereabouts and plans for the Holy Week on social media so as not to tip off criminals looking for targets.
No posting on social media
As Metro Manila residents flock to the provinces, burglars see this as an opportunity to strike, specially at unattended houses.
The PNP said citizens should not post details on their whereabouts or their vacation plans so as not to alert criminals.
The PNP also advised travelers to “travel light” and not bring expensive jewelry or gadgets.
The public may contact the PNP through its hotlines 2920, 117 and 09178475757, or through its social media accounts on Facebook and Twitter.
Bureau of Fire Protection Director Ariel Barayuga said firefighters would be on hand to help travelers as they would be deployed to major roads with their fire trucks and ambulances.
For her part, Health Secretary Janette Garin on Tuesday dispensed practical tips to travelers during the long holiday to ensure they remain safe and healthy.
Garin noted the rise in road accidents during the Holy Week because travelers think the streets are traffic-free at this time of the year.
“Many drive fast and are in a hurry so our roads have become the site of numerous accidents,” the health chief said.
To avoid vehicular accidents, Garin reminded the public to strictly follow road safety tips, like complying with traffic rules and speed limits, avoiding the use of cell phones while driving, avoiding medicines that induce drowsiness, and staying away from alcoholic drinks.
She also advised motorists to check their brakes, tires, oil and signal lights before embarking on the trip.
Part of sacrifice
“Always wear your seat belt. For those riding the motorcycle or bike, always wear a helmet,” she said.
To avoid food poisoning or diarrhea while traveling, Garin advised the public to bring freshly cooked meals or food that doesn’t spoil easily, like adobo, biscuits and crackers.
If travelers will bring cooked rice during the trip, they must check for stale odor before eating, she said.
Hospitals alerted
“To be safer, it is advisable they eat before traveling or to just fast as part of their sacrifice during the Holy Week,” she added.
Hospitals near churches and areas where large crowds are expected have also been placed under alert, Garin said.
“Our hospital workers are on standby in case of emergencies,” said Garin.
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