Additional personnel, K-9 units, and more surveillance systems are set to be deployed at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) for the Holy Week, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Friday.
Officials from the MMDA and Department of Transportation – Office of Transportation Security (OTS) inspected the terminal in preparation for the influx of travelers during Holy Week.
“Ininspeksiyon ng mga awtoridad ang mga bus at driver, command center ng bus terminal kung saan ipinakita ang mga nakukumpiskang mga gamit mula sa mga pasahero, isang capsule hotel, at ang LRT-PITX station,” the MMDA said.
(Authorities inspected buses and drivers, the bus terminal command center where confiscated items from passengers were displayed, a capsule hotel, and the LRT-PITX station,)
OTS administrator Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said more security personnel will be assigned to six areas within the terminal.
The agency will also augment security through the deployment of K-9 units as well as equipment such as closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, X-ray machines, and scanners.
MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III said authorities are still studying some “rooms for improvement” for a better commuter experience at the terminal.
Issues
Cruz said one of the issues they observed was the mixing of passengers bound for the EDSA Busway and those traveling to the provinces inside the terminal.
Due to this, the agencies are studying the possibility of separating these passengers to ensure a more organized and efficient screening process.
The inspection of goods brought in by vendors operating inside the terminal will be stricter to ensure no illegal items enter the facility.
More signage will be displayed at restrooms and ticket booths to guide passengers.
Torre also spoke with several bus drivers to get their feedback and sentiments regarding their trips.
After checking the bus drivers’ dormitory, the officials observed that there is a shortage of mattresses.
Some prohibited items were also confiscated at PITX, most of which were bladed weapons.
Daily foot traffic is expected to reach between 230,000 and 250,000 passengers during the Holy Week.
With the anticipated surge of travelers, passengers are encouraged to use the capsule hotel inside PITX, which opened in October last year.
The facility offers nearly 50 beds at a rate of P1,000 for 21 hours. —with a report from Jhomer Apresto/VAL/AOL, GMA Integrated News
