THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency will intensify drug operations in seaports and airports and random inspection at bus terminals during Holy Week.

PDEA 7 Information Officer Leia Albiar Alcantara said drug personalities may take advantage of the influx of passengers and expect enforcers to be lenient.

As the PDEA keeps a lookout for illegal drug personalities, all sectoral offices and line agencies under the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will secure passengers from criminal elements in all ports and terminals.

Under Oplan Biyaheng Ayos Semana Santa 2019, government agencies concerned will deploy personnel and equipment with Malasakit Help Desks (MHDs) to assist those who need information and emergency medical care.

Senior Supt. Glenn Sarador of the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) said that being the lead agency, they urge the public to report to authorities any suspicious and unattended bags near them.

“Passengers can lodge their concerns and complaints to the MHD, including reports of suspicious individuals and activities at ports,” Sarador said.

The CPA, with the Regional Maritime Council, will operate the MHDs, which will be set up and activated at the Pier 4 (Berthing 13), Pier 3 and Pier 1, and sub-ports of Toledo City, Danao City, Sta. Fe, Dumanjug and Argao.

Oplan Biyaheng Ayos Semana Santa also includes members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Maritime Industry Authority, local government units, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and PDEA.

Cebu Coast Guard Station Commander Alvin Dagalea said they are monitoring all arriving and outgoing vessels to secure the traveling public. (EOB)