Manila, April 5 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Sunday intensified security operations as vacationers return to Metro Manila and other urban areas after spending the Holy Week break in the provinces.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez ordered all commanders to maintain a strong and active presence on major thoroughfares and transportation hubs.

Nartatez emphasized the need to extend assistance to other government agencies to ensure the roadworthiness of passenger buses and other public utility vehicles (PUVs), as well as the mental and physical alertness of the drivers.

"Safe travel of millions of our kababayan (citizens) remains our top priority. We remain on full alert status ...