ROAD REPAIR Workmen carefully pour and level concrete on a section of Maharlika Highway between Guinobatan and Polangui towns as part of the road reblocking project in Albay in this photo taken on March 25. This repair work is one of the road projects expected to cause delay to commuters heading to their provinces during the Holy Week. —Michael B. Jaucian
LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY, Philippines — As the Holy Week exodus to Southern Luzon from Metro Manila and other parts of the island begins, the police chief of Bicol appealed for patience and calm from commuters amid road works that might stretch travel time.
Police Brig. Gen. Andre Perez Dizon, Bicol police chief, said the 29 ongoing road projects throughout the region, necessary for long-term road improvements, may cause congestion along major routes.
“These reblocking projects are happening simultaneously on different major highways in Bicol. We are asking the public for patience and discipline, especially during peak travel hours,” Dizon told the Inquirer on Tuesday.
To ensure smooth vehicular flow, hundreds of police personnel have been strategically deployed along national highways and intersections in the mainland provinces of Camarines Sur, Albay and Sorsogon and in the island province of Masbate, he said.
Around 8,000 to 10,000 vehicles daily are expected to traverse Andaya Highway this Holy Week, almost double the usual 5,000 motorists using the highway on regular days, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Bicol Director Franz Ranches said in a private message Tuesday.
Smooth travel
The volume of travelers is expected to reach its peak from Holy Wednesday until Good Friday, with return trips likely causing a second wave of traffic buildup starting Easter Sunday.
The Bicol police has established motorist assistance centers, roving patrols and roadside visibility posts to support travelers.
To ensure smooth travel despite the roadworks, coordination between the police, local government units, the Department of Public Works and Highways, and the LTO has been established.
“Officers are not only managing traffic but also responding to emergencies, assisting lost travelers, and ensuring public safety,” Dizon noted.
He said the most affected areas included Maharlika Highway, where reblocking has led to one-lane pass throughs and slower vehicular movement.
“We understand that travel during Holy Week is important for many families. Our goal is to ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely and without unnecessary stress,” he added.
Police checkpoints will also be in place as part of intensified security measures for the Lenten season. Cops have also been deployed to various transport terminals amid the influx of travelers.
Dizon reminded the public to stay informed through traffic advisories, use alternate routes when possible and allot extra time for travel.
More than 3,000 police officers have also been deployed to 221 churches across Bicol.
Mimaropa deployment
Commodore Ivan Roldan, Philippine Coast Guard District Bicol chief, said in a phone interview Tuesday that port security and inspections were tightened and strictly enforced.
Roldan added that the “no overloading” policy on vessels would be strictly implemented to ensure safe sea travel.
In Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), over 1,200 police officers were deployed to secure churches, transport terminals, public markets, malls, and other areas with high foot traffic during the Holy Week.
“Our goal is to enable the faithful to observe this sacred season in a safe and peaceful environment,” said Police Brig. Gen. Roger Quesada, Mimaropa police chief, in a statement.
Starting Wednesday, over 250 officers will be posted to more than 119 places of worship while around 130 personnel will be detailed to business centers, markets and malls. About 150 officers will be stationed at transport terminals, seaports and airports. —with a report from Madonna T. Virola
Source: Bicol police to motorists on Lenten exodus: Be patient
