Security tightened at bus terminals

MANILA, Philippines - Security was tightened at bus terminals in Metro Manila starting Thursday night as more passengers queued for rides to the provinces for the All Saints weekend. Radio dzBB reported early Friday that security personnel in the bus terminals are bracing for the "peak" on Friday noon, when the bulk of passengers will show up at bus stations. Security personnel at the Araneta Bus Terminal in Cubao, Quezon City said they expect employees to start coming in droves in the afternoon, as many offices are expected to let workers go home by then. At the Araneta Bus Terminal, security personnel and K-9 units were posted at each entrance gate. They had handheld metal detectors or metallic mine detectors. Representatives from the Philippine National Police, Department of Transportation and Communication, Land Transportation Office and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board were present at the terminal. First aid teams were also on hand to assist passengers. In Manila, the Philippine Rabbit terminal in Manila started doubling its work pace, with buses coming and going at 15-minute intervals instead of the usual 30-minute intervals. Ed Ocampo, head dispatcher of Philippine Rabbit, said they expect passengers to peak from Friday to Saturday noon. Police and plainclothes security personnel were stationed at the terminal to thwart snatchers. In Pasay City, added buses and dispatchers were placed at terminals at Buendia and Taft Avenues. Meanwhile, cemeteries in southern Metro Manila began to fill up early, with early visitors going to the Manila Memorial Park in Parañaque City. Several vendors also started setting up their tents inside the memorial park in anticipation of the All Saints weekend. - GMANews.TV