DOTr, DICT prepare for safe Holy Week 2024 travel

The Department of Transportation-Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation (DOTr-SAICT) on Wednesday said it is now planning and preparing for the upcoming Holy Week.

In a statement, the DOTr said it partnered up with the Department of Information and Communications Technology-Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (DICT-CICC) and Scam Watch Pilipinas ahead of the expected influx of travelers.

They aim to address the needs of the public at terminals, ports, and airports, ensure smooth traffic flow, and provide safe travel for passengers.

Included in the preparation are 24/7 monitoring of the EDSA Busway operations, hub and provincial bus terminals, continuous anti-colorum operations, roadside checks, and strict enforcement of traffic laws throughout Metro Manila and neighboring cities.

“The aim of this initiative is to provide a safe and convenient journey for all travelers nationwide in accordance with the directive of DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista,” the statement read.

DOTr, DICT, Scam Watch, and various agencies also signed a memorandum of understanding for “Online Bantay Lakbay 2024,” which aims to protect the general public from online travel-related scams. 

They warned the public against:

• Fake Accommodation
• Fake Wifi
• Too-Good-to-be-True Deals
• “Free” Vacation Trap
• Fake Travel Agents
• Overpriced Tours
• Charity Cons
• Counterfeit Cash
• Hidden CCTVs
• Colorum Vehicles
• Selling Lost Luggage on FB
• Fake SIMs
• Fixer
• Cheap airline tickets on social media

—Jiselle Anne Casucian, GMA Integrated News