Philippines travel advice

Police in Metro Manila have intensified security at airports, seaports and bus terminals as people begin returning from holiday in the provinces.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Carmelo Valmoria has directed the five Metro Manila police district directors and 38 station commanders to deploy uniformed personnel in the vicinities of airports and seaports as the bulk of returning vacationers are expected to arrive in Metro Manila starting today.

The NCRPO alert status on Dec. 22 is expected to end after the Jan. 15-19 visit of Pope Francis.

Valmoria ordered the NCRPO to heighten intelligence gathering on criminals and possible troublemakers and to increase police visibility and checkpoints.

“We should also help man assistance desks at bus terminals, and go after petty criminals who might take advantage of the situation,” he said.

Hundreds barred from leaving port

Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1In Ormoc City, hundreds of passengers were barred from boarding fast crafts to Cebu starting yesterday because of reports that waves could reach 3 to 4.5 meters high at sea.

A fast craft on its way to Ormoc from Cebu was forced to return to port after encountering huge waves.

The Coast Guard has the discretion to stop vessels, especially small and light ones, from leaving port during rough weather.