GOVERNMENT agencies and local governments in Cebu intensified safety preparations for the Holy Week break by conducting inspections at key transport hubs on Tuesday, April 15, 2025.
Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia assessed readiness at the Cebu Port Terminal 1 (Pier 1), while the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Lapu-Lapu City raised its alert status in anticipation of the influx of passengers. At two bus terminals in Cebu City, public transport drivers underwent surprise drug tests on Tuesday morning, with three initially testing positive for illegal drug use.
Airport security
As the primary gateway for air travel in Visayas, MCIA is under heightened alert, preparing for the expected increase in passengers during Holy Week. Stricter security measures are being implemented at the airport, including intensified vehicle inspections, increased foot and mobile patrols, the deployment of additional security personnel and K-9 units and enhanced passenger profiling.
MCIA General Manager Julius Neri Jr. advised travelers to thoroughly check their baggage for prohibited items, particularly bullets. He also recommended avoiding damaged or low-quality power banks. Passengers were reminded to strictly refrain from making any bomb-related jokes and urged to cooperate with airport security personnel.
Neri further said passengers should arrive early for their flights, as a surge in foot traffic is anticipated starting Wednesday, April 16, with peak volumes expected over the weekend. Public assistance desks are operational in both domestic and international terminals to support travelers.
Port and Cebu City preparations
In Cebu City, Mayor Garcia inspected Pier 1 to check its readiness for the passenger surge. He told reporters that he was satisfied with the existing preparations of the port management. The mayor plans further inspections of city bus terminals and some churches on Wednesday, April 16.
While concerns regarding holding area capacity were discussed with the Cebu Port Authority (CPA), Garcia expressed confidence in the CPA’s ability to manage passenger volumes effectively. To ensure public safety, personnel from the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and paramedics will be stationed alongside police officers at ports, terminals and churches.
Garcia also reminded the public to prioritize safety due to the high heat index. He advised the public to stay hydrated and use umbrellas, and he encouraged them to use the Holy Week break for reflection and family bonding.
Joint inspections involving the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7, Police Regional Office 7, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7 and the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) 7 were also conducted on Tuesday at Cebu City’s two bus terminals as part of “Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025.”
Surprise drug tests
At Cebu’s north and south bus terminals, more than 100 bus, minibus, van and taxi drivers underwent surprise drug tests. The operation was conducted by PDEA 7 in coordination with LTO 7, LTFRB 7 and HPG 7. The testing aimed to ensure passenger safety during the peak Holy Week travel season.
Three drivers, one minibus driver from the south bus terminal and two bus drivers from the north bus terminal, initially tested positive for illegal drug use. These drivers will undergo confirmatory testing. LTO 7 will temporarily seize their licenses to enforce administrative penalties. PDEA 7 will recommend them for rehabilitation, while LTO 7 and LTFRB 7 will determine further administrative actions.
PDEA 7 said it will not file any criminal charges against the drivers, adding that it will continue its strict monitoring at terminals and ports, deploying K-9 units to check baggage for contraband.
LTO 7, for its part, warned the public against patronizing “colorum” public utility vehicles (PUVs) for travel during Holy Week.
LTO 7 Director Glenn Galario pointed out significant safety risks associated with colorum vehicles, as passengers often cannot claim damages in accidents involving them.
He said these illegal vehicles operate as PUVs without the required government permits, safety checks and insurance. Their operators also do not pay taxes, he added.
Authorities reported that apprehensions of colorum vehicles have already occurred since Oplan Byaheng Ayos began on Sunday, April 13. Operating colorum vehicles carries severe penalties, including imprisonment of up to six years and fines reaching P2 million.
These coordinated efforts across transportation hubs come as thousands of Cebuanos are expected to travel to their hometowns and tourist destinations during the Holy Week break. Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel throughout the season. / DPC, JPS, AYB, EHP