MANILA: The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have unveiled comprehensive plans to ensure the safety and smooth observance of All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, locally known as “Undas.” These measures aim to manage the expected increase in passenger and vehicle traffic as citizens travel to commemorate their departed loved ones.
According to Philippines News Agency, the MMDA convened law enforcement and traffic bureau chiefs from the National Capital Region (NCR) to discuss strategies for traffic management and emergency response. During a press conference at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City, MMDA Chair Don Artes emphasized the necessity of collaboration among the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group, NCR Police Office, and traffic bureau chiefs from NCR local government units. The focus is to accommodate the anticipated exodus of travelers heading to provinces.
Artes announced the deployment of 1,257 personnel from various MMDA
units, including the Traffic Discipline Office, Special Operations Group-Strike Force, Metro Parkways Clearing Group, and Road Emergency Group. Their primary assignment will be to manage transportation terminals, cemeteries, and major thoroughfares. The “Oplan Undas 2024” will be operational from October 27 to November 4. Additional measures include a “no day off, no absent” policy for traffic personnel and extended duty hours.
To address emergencies quickly, the MMDA’s Road Emergency Group will deploy 12 tow trucks and six ambulances. Additionally, help desks and command posts will be set up at bus terminals. The Metro Parkways Clearing Group will concentrate on cleanup operations around cemeteries from October 26 to November 4. The MMDA Communications and Command Center will monitor traffic situations and closed-circuit television feeds from cameras installed in NCR roads and cemeteries.
Security measures at NAIA, the country’s main gateway, will be intensified by the Philippine National Police Aviation S
ecurity Unit (AVSEU). Public Information Officer Maj. Junielle Agmata confirmed the deployment of an additional 100 AVSEU personnel to supplement mobile patrol and police visibility inside and outside the airport terminals. Police assistance desks will also be established within the terminals.
In an interview, Office for Transportation Security (OTS) Administrator Crizaldo Nieves outlined their plans to activate their Transportation Security Operations Center around the clock. This initiative is to assist passengers with security concerns and enable timely reporting of incidents. Security auditors will ensure that airport facility operators implement security measures aligned with national and international standards. The maintenance of security screening equipment will be prioritized to avoid operational disruptions during the anticipated high passenger volume.
Last year, NAIA recorded over 620,000 passengers from October 26 to 30, preceding the actual holidays on November 1 and 2. With this year’s non-wor
king holidays falling on Friday and Saturday, an increase in passenger volume is expected. Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Eric Ines mentioned that precise figures for passenger volume between October 31 and November 3 are not yet available, but an increase is anticipated.
Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific has advised passengers that flights of their domestic carrier Cebgo will continue to operate at Terminal 4 until November 6, encouraging travelers to check in online to avoid lengthy queues.