No rest for MMDA, NCRPO personnel during 4-day break

While Metro Manila denizens prepare to go on a four-day-long break from work or school, there will be no rest on All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day for personnel of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said that under this year’s “Oplan Kaluluwa,” the agency would deploy 2,378 traffic enforcers and augmentation security personnel with a “No Dayoff, No Absences” policy set to take effect Wednesday.

They will man traffic on major thoroughfares while the MMDA’s mobile command centers equipped with closed-circuit television cameras will be stationed at the Araneta bus terminal and Manila North Cemetery, one of the biggest cemeteries in the metropolis.

The agency has also synchronized rerouting plans with local traffic bureaus to prepare for the expected increase in the number of passengers at bus terminals. MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations Emerson Carlos told the media that among their priority points were bus terminals in Araneta-Cubao, Edsa-Cubao, Edsa-Pasay-Taft, Edsa-Balintawak, Sampaloc and Dangwa.

Meanwhile, the director of the NCRPO has issued reminders to Metro Manila residents as many hie off to the provinces to visit their dearly departed.

According to Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina, those going on vacation should focus on two things: Securing their empty homes and “Blowbagets.”

“Unscrupulous individuals may take advantage of the holidays to conduct illegal activities. People leaving for the province should secure their respective homes and make sure that all points of entry are locked. They should also invest in perimeter security lighting,” Espina said in a statement.

He added that residents should make sure that all their electrical appliances at home are unplugged before they head out and all possible causes of fire must be turned off or put out.

Those driving home to their provinces, on the other hand, should make sure their Blowbagets are in “optimal working condition.” The acronym stands for battery, light, oil, water, brakes, air, gas, engine, tires and self.

“The effort on preserving peace and order is everyone’s concern. Security begins [with] every individual member of the community,” Espina said as he reminded the public to call 117 for immediate police assistance.