Manila: President Benigno Aquino inspected air and seaports and officials raised alert levels nationwide as Catholic and non-Catholic Christians started taking advantage of the Holy Week’s five-day vacation starting Wednesday.
Aquino went to Pasay City’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and Manila’s North Harbour to ensure security measures as millions of Filipinos, including tourists, start leaving Manila for the provinces for Good Friday commemorations to be followed by Easter.
Aquino called for the installation of Filipino signs at the ports to facilitate the processing of passengers.
Noting that overseas-bound Filipino tourists should not be victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment, Bureau of Immigrations head Ricardo David said: “Those with questionable travel documents and whose purpose in travelling abroad is doubtful shall be subjected to secondary inspection.”
Foreigners suspected as threats to national security, public health, and safety should be turned away and booked on the first available flight to their port of origin, David said.
The Coast Guard, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police also deployed covert security and intelligence personnel at various ports and on inter-island ships.
Passengers were advised to take vessels that were licensed by the government for their seaworthiness.
Metro Manila started to look like a ghost city, the major roads empty of private vehicles, and majority of busses started to ply for provincial destinations.
After office hours on Tuesday, office workers started going to air and seaports. “We want to enjoy the vacation. It’s the best time to take away our stress,” said Juliet Luna, an office worker in Makati City,
Malls, shopping and entertainment areas, banks, and offices will be closed on Wednesday.
Catholic priests started airing their views on radio and TV that devotees should not just go on vacation but observe the Lenten Season.
The Catholic Church has frowned upon actual crucifixions, done in three makeshift Golgothas in three villages in San Fernando, Pampanga, which have become tourist attractions for more than 30 years.
People worshipping should just sacrifice, not undergo actual crucifixion, and not be involved in the brutal penance of whipping backs with glass-shards, said a Catholic priest in a radio interview.
