MANILA - The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has stepped up measures to ensure the safety and convenience of those traveling to their hometowns in time for All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day.

“At the spirit of Oplan Undas is the passenger. We want to make sure that traveling will be as hassle-free as possible as we observe the solemnity of the occasion,” CAAP Director General Jim Sydiongco said.

Under Oplan Undas 2017, CAAP guarantees safe, reliable and convenient operations at all 39 commercial airports in the country during the travel peak expected over the next two weeks.

CAAP said coordination has been made with airlines regarding the efficient processing of passengers, especially at check-in counters.

Airline personnel will also be augmented to accommodate the anticipated increase in the number of travelers.

Check-in counters will be open 2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight, and 3 hours prior to an international flight. Counters will close 45 minutes before departure.

A "no-leave" policy during the entire duration of Oplan Undas will be observed by service and security personnel to maximize deployment.

Help desks manned by duty officers will also be set up to accommodate passenger concerns.

Travelers are meanwhile advised against bringing prohibited items to the airport for faster processing at screening checkpoints.

Meanwhile, the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has ordered all its regional directors to coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and civil action and amateur radio groups rendering assistance to travelers during Undas within their respective areas.

The memo, dated Oct. 23 and signed by NTC Commissioner Gamaliel Cordoba, tasks regional directors to determine any assistance that the commission may provide, such as the issuance of temporary permits and licenses for groups that would like to lend assistance and ensure the safety of travelers during the holidays.

Cordoba also wants regional directors to monitor the operations of civic and amateur radio groups.