DCOTT chief says plans ready to serve passengers during Holy Week
By Rhoda Grace B. Saron
THE DAVAO City Overland Transport Terminal is gearing up to serve from 80,000 to 100,000 passengers going home to their provinces this coming Holy Week.
Speaking at yesterday’s AFP-PNP press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, DCOTT manager Aisa Yusop said they are preparing to accommodate up to 8,500 bus trips for the Holy Week.
However, they will start ramping up activities starting March 30 when passengers begin to file in at the city’s bus terminal.
“With the influx of passengers, we already requested an augmentation from Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO), together with the PNP, and Task Force Davao,” Yusop said.
She said the Davao to Cagayan de Oro route typically is the busiest line. But they will make sure there would be enough buses to ensure no passengers will be left stranded.
“We coordinate our staff, security guards, and stakeholders to help us monitor (the passengers),” she said. “We really need to have an augmentation because our security guards are also focusing on the buses that will enter our terminal.”
Bus operators are mandated to add units to accommodate more passengers. They must also secure special permits from the Land Transportation and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) for the Holy Week.
Yusop also reiterated the “no-pick-up policy” as she reminded bus operators to operate from terminal to terminal as mandated by local and national laws.
On the other hand, Major Eudisan Gultiano, spokesperson of Police Regional Office XI, said they would deploy a total of more than 2,000 personnel in churches, terminals, commercial areas, and other convergence areas starting April 3 to 9.
But they will also Gultiano tap barangay security forces, police auxiliary teams, and the tourist police as force multipliers. In addition, they will set up police assistance desks at churches and religious shrines to help devotees and churchgoers.
She reminded the public to double-check their houses and ensure every door or window is locked. They should also unplug all electrical appliances to prevent fire.
“Rest assured that the entire police personnel that will be deployed to the places are prepared to assist you,” she said.
