Two Lakbay Alalay stations in Negros Oriental are now operational, ready to assist motorists and respond to road crashes and other emergencies during Holy Week.

“The Lakbay Alalay assistance areas are in line with the observance of Semana Santa and the anticipated influx of travelers during the summer vacation period,” said Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) Chief Police Executive Master Sergeant Aurelio Bodo in an interview with the Philippine News Agency yesterday.

The assistance stations, established by the PHPT with the Department of Public Works and Highways, are located along the Km 12 national highway in Barangay Sto. Niño, San Jose town, for northbound travelers, and at Km 6 national highway in Barangay Banilad, Bacong town, for southbound motorists.

According to Bodo, the PHPT will be deployed from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily until Saturday, while DPWH personnel of the 2nd Engineering District will be at the assistance areas 24/7.

However, Bodo emphasized that the HPT is accessible at any time in an emergency.

The Lakbay Alalay stations will act as roadside assistance centers offering services like prompt police aid and visibility patrol, traffic management and regulation, road safety advisories, and dissemination of public information.

Moreover, it will aid drivers facing vehicle failures and those requiring emergency response management and first aid assistance.

The initiative seeks to reduce road accidents, deter highway crimes, and maintain smooth traffic movement on essential routes, especially during busy travel times when vehicle numbers will rise considerably. (PNA)