All systems go for safety, security preps for Hoy Week, summer vacation 2025 in CV

CEBU CITY – All systems go for an inter-agency collaboration and preparations for the safety and security of commuters for the “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa & Summer Vacation 2025 in Central Visayas, according to the representatives from the regional offices of the Land Transportation Office (LTO7), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB7), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG7) and the Philippine National Police (PNP7).

“During the Lenten Season, we have already issued special permits for buses to operate on certain routes, which impacts passengers. There were already 83 passes authorized for movements of routes. This applies to the entire region, affecting seven provinces, including support for medical and special permits until further notice,” LTFRB-7 information officer, Eugenio Ibo, Jr. bared during the Kapihas sa PIA forum today, April 10 at the PIA7 office.

Ibo added that LTFRB7 personnel were tasked with conducting random inspections at terminals to ensure the legitimacy of units and vehicles, including checking for a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC). Designated personnel, possibly health inspectors as part of the inspection process.

Lt/JG Abel Jan Lomboy, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) director, Command Center in Central Vsayas said that PCG is on high alert from April 13 to May 20, 2010, anticipating an influx of sea passenger vessels. Proactive measures include activating the "Malasakit Desk" for issue handling and deploying the Quick Response Team (QRT) with medical and Special Operation groups for emergencies. 

“We are also conducting canine inspections for inbound and outbound passenger vessels to ensure safety. Pre-departure inspections check for overloaded vessels and up-to-date certificates, ensuring compliance and safety. These measures are in place to safeguard against potential issues during the alert period,” Ibo said.

Road safety enforcement and summer security plans

The LTO-7 on the other hand discussed enforcement of land transportation laws under RA# 341, focusing on public and private road safety from April 13 to April 20. Key points included designating law enforcement at terminals and seaports in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor to ensure compliance, LTO7 assistant regional director, Engr. Arturo Apolinar bared.

Apolinar mentioned eight terminals in Cebu, four in Bohol, and various seaports across the provinces that are subject to safety and security inspections throughout the Lenten period placing emphasis on random drug tests for drivers to prevent intoxication and maintain road safety, especially during the long weekend.

Police Col. Arvie aserre Paraon-Bueno, Police Regional Office (PRO7) spokesperson shared that the entire police force in Central Visayas has already a security plan for the summer of 2025, particularly from April 1 to May 31.

“The impact of COVID-19 and holidays is a must-need for increased security measures, with the PNP being a key agency involved. The plan includes regular patrols and mobile patrols at outposts to ensure security, focusing on areas of convergence such as places of worship, commercial areas, and transportation hubs. The deployment strategy is tailored to different regions in Visayas,” Bueno stated. (Photos: MBCNewman)