MANILA – Government agencies are working together under a “whole-of-nation approach” to guarantee safe and efficient travel during the upcoming Holy Week rush, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said on Tuesday.
During a joint press briefing at Camp Crame, Remulla emphasized that authorities have coordinated their preparations to ensure a unified response as millions of Filipinos are expected to travel outside Metro Manila.
He said agencies agreed to work collectively to avoid shifting blame and instead focus on protecting motorists and holiday travelers.
According to Remulla, directives from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. instruct agencies to prioritize guidance, prevention, and assistance rather than penalties.
The interior chief also warned that alcohol intoxication in beach areas continues to be the main factor behind fatalities during the Holy Week break.
To strengthen security, the Philippine National Police has placed all units nationwide under full alert status and deployed 98,636 personnel.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the heightened alert will remain effective until Easter Sunday night.
“The PNP’s task is to ensure peace and order and be ready to respond to emergencies that may threaten public safety,” Nartatez said.
Police operations will be reinforced by 37,050 force multipliers and 12,507 additional personnel.
The Department of Transportation expects a surge in passenger volume across major transport hubs.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said around 150,000 passengers daily are projected to pass through Ninoy Aquino International Airport this week.
Meanwhile, about three million travelers are expected at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, while 2.6 million passengers are projected to pass through seaports from March 28 to April 5.
Lopez encouraged the public to prepare their travel plans early, especially by securing tickets online.
“Mas mainam na planuhin ang biyahe nang maaga at bumili ng ticket online upang maiwasan ang matagal na paghihintay sa mga pantalan,” he said.
The Philippine Coast Guard has also raised its alert level and deployed around 17,000 personnel to secure ports and assist travelers.
To help ease road congestion, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon said construction projects nationwide have been temporarily suspended.
The directive to regional offices and district engineers took effect over the weekend and will remain until Easter Sunday.
Dizon added that the move could also help limit fuel consumption amid rising oil prices and supply concerns related to the Middle East conflict.
Holy Week remains the most significant religious period in the Philippines, drawing millions of travelers returning to their provinces for traditional observances and family gatherings.
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