LTO 7 Initiates Comprehensive Holy Week 2026 Travel Safety Campaign
The Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) has officially launched "Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2026", a coordinated effort with multiple government agencies to safeguard public travel during the upcoming Holy Week. This initiative, announced on March 25, 2026, involves collaboration with the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7, supported by local government units across Cebu City and the province.
Ensuring Vehicle and Driver Readiness
LTO 7 Director Wendel Dinglasan emphasized that with the travel rush beginning, inspections have commenced at terminals to verify the roadworthiness of vehicles operating throughout Central Visayas. This includes thorough checks on passenger buses undertaking long-distance journeys. The primary goal is to prevent accidents that could lead to fatalities by ensuring drivers are adequately rested and vehicles are in optimal condition.
"First and foremost, drivers must have sufficient rest, especially for long trips. We have an LTFRB memorandum circular that specifies the maximum continuous driving hours. Once that limit is reached, they must rest and be replaced by another driver," Dinglasan stated.
Innovative Measures to Combat Violations
In a novel approach for Cebu, Dinglasan revealed that "mystery riders" will be deployed to report any violations directly to the LTO, targeting issues like overloading on passenger buses. Additionally, surprise drug tests will be conducted on drivers and conductors to ensure compliance with anti-drug regulations, though specific details on timing and locations were not disclosed.
LTFRB and Police Support for Public Safety
LTFRB 7 Director Abosamen Matuan highlighted their agency's role in monitoring terminal facilities to ensure they serve the public effectively. He reminded terminal management to maintain cleanliness and provide free restroom access for passengers. Matuan also stressed that despite rising fuel costs, no fare increases are authorized, and operators or drivers imposing arbitrary hikes will face penalties.
"Our central office consistently monitors fare increases as there is no advisory from our office permitting hikes. If operators or drivers are found posting their own fare matrices, those are not legitimate," Matuan explained.
Enhanced Police Deployment and Security
Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan, chief of police in Central Visayas, announced that 10,000 police personnel will be deployed during Holy Week to assist with traffic enforcement. The alert status will be elevated to full alert two days prior, requiring all PRO 7 personnel to be on duty and present at their stations.
"During Holy Week, we will be on heightened alert, meaning full alert status where 100 percent of our police force will be on duty. Therefore, the 10,000 policemen of PRO 7 will be rendering their duties," Maranan said.
Tight security will be enforced at ports, terminals, tourist spots, and religious sites like churches. Maranan noted that recent intelligence meetings indicated no specific security threats in Central Visayas.
Unified Commitment and Immediate Action
Following a short program, law enforcement agencies and local government units took an oath and signed a Pledge of Commitment, symbolizing unity in enforcing national road laws. Inspections were promptly initiated at bus terminals in Cebu City, including the North and South Bus Terminals, underscoring the campaign's immediate implementation.
