Baguio PNP urges use of online app to see real-time situation

<p><strong>SWEEPING OPERATION</strong>. A canine and his handler check the baggage compartment of an inter-regional bus at the Governor Pack Road bus terminal on Wednesday (April 16, 2025). The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Transportation conducted joint surprise drug testings on at least 150 drivers and conductors at the six major bus and van terminals in Baguio City to ensure the safety of the passengers traveling to different places in time for the observance of Holy Week. <em>(Photo courtesy of Genzel Depayso)</em></p> — **SWEEPING OPERATION**. A canine and his handler check the baggage compartment of an inter-regional bus at the Governor Pack Road bus terminal on Wednesday (April 16, 2025). The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Department of Transportation conducted joint surprise drug testings on at least 150 drivers and conductors at the six major bus and van terminals in Baguio City to ensure the safety of the passengers traveling to different places in time for the observance of Holy Week. *(Photo courtesy of Genzel Depayso)*

BAGUIO CITY – The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) urged tourists and locals to constantly check the online application BCPO@viewBaguio to check the real-time traffic situation, crowd estimates, and availability of parking spaces in specific areas.

“Ligtas ang may alam (Those who know are safe). They will also see in the app the different city ordinances being implemented by the police as a guide so that they do not violate,” Col. Ruel Tagel, BCPO director, said in an interview on Thursday.

Tagel said the ordinances apply to all, and these include the no smoking rule in public places, the number coding scheme, and prohibition of spitting, indiscriminately throwing of garbage, and use of gadgets while walking.

He said the “Implan kalmang paglalakbay”, which stands for “Kaagapay sa ligtas at maginhawang paglalakbay sa Baguio City (One with safe and comfortable trip to Baguio City), has been put in place to ensure increased police visibility in tourist destinations like parks, city market, churches and at checkpoints at the boundaries leading to Baguio.

He said about 400 uniformed personnel are deployed within the city and these are augmented by force multipliers providing motorist assistance, medical assistance and tourist information.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PROCAR) director Brig. Gen. David Peredo said they have deployed 2,000 more personnel to assist motorists and tourists.

Peredo has visited and conducted inspections and dialogues at the different transportation terminals in Baguio and Benguet to remind drivers and conductors to bring travelers to their destinations safely.

The Department of Transportation and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency have jointly conducted spot drug testing on at least 25 drivers and conductors in each of the six major bus and public utility van terminals to ensure a safe travel for the passengers observing the Holy Week in the region.

— Liza Agoot (PNA)

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