The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday urged motorists to remain calm and avoid involvement in road rage amid the influx of travelers for this year’s observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, or Undas.
One of the latest road rage involved a fistfight between a motorist and a cyclist after the former honked his horn at the latter in Marikina City last Tuesday.
‘Keep calm and [stay] courteous on the road. A few moments of patience can save lives. Let’s drive safely and arrive home peacefully,’ the PNP said in a statement. ‘Drivers are urged to avoid road rage, maintain composure in heavy traffic, and respect fellow motorists and pedestrians.’ The police also reminded motorists to check their vehicles’ tires, brakes, lights and fuel before traveling; and to strictly follow traffic rules.
On another hand, the PNP reminded commuters amid the holiday exodus to be vigilant against pickpockets and to only deal with legitimate transport operators.
‘Our priority is your safety-from your homes to your destinations. Let us make this Undas a time of peaceful remembrance, not of accidents or conflict,’ Acting PNP Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said in the statement. In another statement, the PNP said 42,613 police officers were deployed to secure the Undas observance with 20,255 personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard to augment manpower.
The PNP previously said it was also setting up 5,192 police assistance desks to assist motorists and cemetery-goers.