Security up as Holy Week exodus begins

Security at the country's air and sea terminals were tightened over the weekend as Filipinos started going home to the provinces for the annual Holy Week break.

At the Manila Domestic Airport and Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 2, officials set up operations counters to ensure the smooth flow of operations.

Alfonso Cusi, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority, said the coutners will be manned by personnel from the public affairs, engineering and medical departments.

He added that those assigned to the special counters will be there to assist passengers and other guests at the airport, adding that the comfort and safety of travelers will be ensured especially during the Lenten holidays when crowding and long lines are inevitable.

Cusi said additional security personnel will be assigned in various “critical” areas of the facility, from the curbside to the NAIA's departure area.

At the Port of Batangas, authorities said Sunday that some 12,000 tickets were sold for the Saturday departures alone.

(As of now, it’s still manageable but we're expecting at least 20,000 more passengers in the coming days)," said Fe Faytaren, assistant administrative officer of port operator Asian Terminals, Incorporated.

It was learned that most of the passengers at the port will travel on fast-craft vessels bound for Puerto Galera's beaches in Oriental Mindoro province.

Puerto Galera is world-famous for its white sand beaches.

Port authorities, meanwhile, said that they already have tightened security and informed passengers about prohibited items in their luggages.

Port policeman Sherwin Chavez said authorities have already seized some knives from passengers this week despite previous warnings.

(We had warned them ot to bring knives, but some people still bring them),” said Chavez.

The Lenten holidays officially start on Maundy Thursday and end on Easter Sunday for both the public and private sectors.

Private firms, however, have the prerogative of allowing their employees to start their Holy Week break on Holy Wednesday....