Starting October 30, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will set up public-assistance booths in all major cemeteries in the metropolis, said Deputy General Manager for Operations Emerson Carlos. He also said they will deploy MMDA personnel in all the ingress and exit points of Metro Manila.

Rerouting schemes will only be assigned to areas near the major cemeteries where heavy traffic is expected, he said. The MMDA will also help in ensuring the security of different bus terminals, said Carlos.

Meanwhile, the National Police is already performing dry runs on dragnet operations in preparation for the long weekend.

Deputy Director General Arturo Cacdac, National Police deputy chief for operations said, the force will deploy all available resources, even the staff with administrative duties, to increase police visibility in all areas. He said they will also secure ports and airports for the benefit of those who will go to the provinces.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will implement Oplan Kaluluwa, a directive from the Department of Transportation and Communications. For this scheme, LTO is mandated to check the road worthiness and to inspect public utility vehicles, said LTO Traffic Adjudication Service Director Dennis Singzon.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board will also issue special trip permits for Metro Manila buses to allow these to ferry passengers to the provinces.

On the other hand, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) reminded toll operators to deploy ambulances, firetrucks and mechanics on the toll roads during the long holiday, said TRB spokesman Julius Corpuz.

(Jonathan Mayuga)