Undas 2015: Random drug testing for bus drivers, monitoring haze for flights ongoing

Published October 28, 2015 11:20am

Authorities are currently carrying out inspections and other initiatives for different transport systems as thousands of Filipinos are expected to pay their respects to deceased loved ones for All Saints' Day weekend.

A report on Unang Balita said Oplan Ligtas Biyahe Undas 2015 includes a random drug testing for drivers, conducted by the Land Transportation and Franchise Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO), starting Wednesday at the Araneta Center Bus Terminal.

Random drug testing for bus drivers kickoff ahead of Undas exodus. pic.twitter.com/TmblokXWkS
— Chino Gaston (@chinogaston) October 27, 2015

Action centers in bus terminals are also on 24/7 operation until November 2, Monday, to help passengers.

Inspections of bus terminals are also ongoing to see road worthiness of buses.

The volume of passengers is expected to grow on Friday.

50,000 air passengers

Meanwhile, a separate report on Unang Balita said 50,000 passengers are expected daily to fly to their destinations starting Thursday.

The report quoted the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) as saying it is an increase from last year's 40,000 passengers per day.

Aside from heightened security, the MIAA is also monitoring haze that may affect flights, the report said.

It added that the MIAA will also try to avoid delayed flights, as what happened last month.

Heightened alert for ports

Another report on Unang Balita said the Philippine Coast Guard is also on heightened alert for Oplan Ligtas Biyahe.

The PCG will pay close attention to "critical ports," or seaports that see thousands of passengers during special holidays. These include:

Matnog in Sorsogon
Allen, Northern Samar
Cebu
Cagayan de Oro
Guimaras
Batangas, and
Oriental Mindoro.

It will also monitor ports of vessels heading for Puerto Galera and Boracay.

The PCG aims for zero maritime casualty as it stays on heightened alert until November 5. —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/KG, GMA News

Tags: oplanligtasbiyahe, undas2015