MANILA, Philippines — With the Holy Week exodus expected to reach its peak, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) directed local government units (LGUs) on Tuesday to ensure all major thoroughfares remain obstruction-free to facilitate the smooth movement of travelers.
Following a directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a coordinated, whole-of-government approach, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla emphasized that local leaders are the primary enforcers of road accessibility within their respective jurisdictions. National arteries, including the heavily traversed MacArthur Highway, have been identified as top priorities for the clearing operations.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Vince Dizon, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Atty. Giovanni Lopez, and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., Remulla highlighted the critical role of mayors in managing traffic flow.
“Sila ‘yung number one diyan. Case in point si Mayor Benjie Magalong. Sinisigurado niya na ang Kennon Road ay magiging obstruction-free,” Remulla said, noting that local chief executives are best positioned to lead these initiatives.
To support the LGU-led clearing efforts, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a massive mobilization. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed that police units nationwide are currently being deployed to apprehend violators and remove hazards.
According to the PNP, the deployment figures for the season include 98,636 PNP personnel nationwide, 37,050 force multipliers, and 12,507 augmentation units.
Police units will work in tandem with barangay officials to enforce a strict “zero-obstruction” policy.
The DILG and PNP identified several key factors contributing to congestion that must be removed immediately. These include illegally parked vehicles and protruding structures, encroachments near school zones, sun-dried agricultural products occupying highway lanes, and any other informal barriers that impede the flow of traffic.
The DILG reiterated that the primary goal of the “whole-of-government” strategy is to ensure that travel is more manageable for ordinary Filipinos. By keeping roads open and accessible, the government aims to provide faster travel times and safer journeys for families heading to the provinces or visiting loved ones this Holy Week.|
