By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/Philippine News Agency
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has established more than 4,500 police assistance desks/centers (PADS) nationwide as part of “Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2019′.
PNP spokesperson, Col. Bernard Banac said that as of Wednesday, a total of 4,548 PADs are currently manned by 25,723 police personnel in order to ensure safe travel of motorists and commuters for the summer months and the Lenten season.
Banac said the PNP is encouraging the public to observe precautions especially while travelling to various destinations.
The safety tips were also given to travelers and tourists taking public transportation, as well as visiting churches, beaches and resorts.
For those who are travelling using their own cars, always follow these tips:
Plan your drive, drive your plan. run the BLOWBAGETS checklist (Battery, Light, Oil, Water, Brakes, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires and Self)
Install Smartphone apps that can be useful in planning a road trip by selecting the shortest and safest route; and identifying motorist assistance points, rest stops and location of police outposts.
Vehicle documents such as Certificate of Registration (CR), Official Receipt (OR) as well as the driver’s license should be kept inside the vehicle in case of emergency and checkpoint;
See to it that the driver had enough rest and in good condition before going on a long drive; and
Keep calm while driving and always obey the traffic rules and speed limits.
For travelers using bus terminals, airports and seaports:
Arrive early in terminals, sea and air ports when travelling with the elderly and children;
Secure your tickets and passports;
Avoid wearing expensive pieces of jewelry;
Look after your belongings and constantly check them;
Be alert against snatchers; and
If possible, travel light.
For those who are leaving their homes during vacation:
Don’t let many people know you are leaving your home unattended;
Make sure house doors are locked;
Make sure that appliances are unplugged;
As much as possible, use burglar alarms or install CCTV.
The PNP is urging the public to invest on high-security lock mechanisms to secure their houses; and Ask some force multipliers in the barangay (village) to check your house from time to time.
In using social media:
Do not share flight information such as clear picture of your passport and flight details, if you must share, at least wait until you returned home from the trip.
Keep your plans to yourself or your family and make meet ups private; and Do not post information of your trip real time, this may indicate that there is nobody inside your residences. You might have to delay posting your pictures/videos if you want to safeguard your belongings.
The PNP also encouraged the public to be careful while swimming in beaches and swimming pools to avoid drowning.
“If you plan to swim on a beach, you have to make sure that you are in the company of people who know how to swim and know the first aid station in the vicinity as well as the PNP assistance desk,” Banac added.
He said the PNP encourages the public to provide the police with relevant and timely information through social media (Twitter @pnppio and @pnphotline or PNP official Facebook page) and Isumbong Mo Kay OCA text line at 0917-8475757.
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