PNP chief inspects bus terminals ahead of Holy Week, summer break

As thousands of people are expected to go home to their provinces on Holy Week, Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Friday conducted an inspection at bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City.

The inspection is in line with the PNP's summer security plan dubbed as "Ligtas SUMVAC 2018" which was officially launched on Friday.

PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald Dela Rosa and NCRPO Director Oscar Albayalde talk to a bus driver during an inspection of bus terminals in Quezon City on Friday, March 23, 2018. GMA News

"Ang layunin niyan ay sisiguraduhin natin na ligtas 'yung ating publiko during summer vacation, mag-enjoy sila sa kanilang bakasyon at manigurado tayo na walang mangyaring hindi maganda," Dela Rosa said in an interview on Unang Balita.

Dela Rosa was accompanied by National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde during the inspection.

CPNP Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa inspects bus terminals in Cubao @gmanews pic.twitter.com/wbdFE7xNQP

— Marlly Bondoc (@marllybondoc) March 22, 2018

PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald Dela Rosa talks to passengers of a Mindanao-bound bus during an inspection of bus terminals in Quezon City on Friday, March 23, 2018. GMA News

Help centers for Ligtas SUMVAC 2018 are located along highways with representatives from government units to ensure that travelers may have access to police, medical, and other emergency assistance.

Dela Rosa said they will ask barangay officials and others for help in providing security in villages as police are undermanned even on full-alert status.

"We are now on full-alert status. Ang purpose niyan is siguruhin natin na habang ang ating mamamayan ay nagbabakasyon, 'yung ating mga kapulisan ay walang bakasyon 'yan. 'Yan ay nagbabantay na mapanatili 'yung peace and order sa ating kapaligiran," he said.

No threats of terrorism has been detected "so far," but Dela Rosa advised residents to be alert, ask their neighbors to keep an eye on their homes, and properly secure their locks before heading out.

Dela Rosa also advised drivers to check their vehicles' road worthiness and travelers to keep hydrated on their journey.

The PNP will be on full alert starting March 23 until June 13.

The inspection is still ongoing as of posting time. —With Rie Takumi/KG, GMA News