The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday urged motorists and travelers to strictly follow traffic and road safety rules as travel volume increases ahead of the New Year celebrations.

The PNP’s reminder comes amid a rise in road crashes in recent days due to the holiday rush. 

In a statement, Acting PNP Chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stressed that discipline on the road is essential to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.

“We are coordinating with concerned government agencies for road safety intervention as we monitor an increase in road crashes in the past few days,” Nartatez said. 

He emphasized the need to ensure safe and orderly travel nationwide during peak holiday periods.

Nartatez appealed to motorists to check the roadworthiness of their vehicles and strictly comply with traffic rules and regulations. “

The PNP’s call followed a deadly bus crash along the Marilaque Highway in Infanta, Quezon, on 29 December, which killed one person and injured 28 others. 

Earlier, another road crash involving a passenger bus in Camarines Sur claimed at least five lives.

To help prevent similar incidents, police are conducting roadworthiness inspections of passenger buses at terminals and checking the physical and mental readiness of drivers. Authorities are also intensifying monitoring and enforcement operations across the country.

Nartatez warned that traffic violations such as drunk driving, overspeeding, and other reckless behaviors that endanger road users will not be tolerated and will be dealt with in accordance with the law.

"Police forces nationwide will remain on heightened alert as Filipinos travel to celebrate the New Year," he said.