MANILA - The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday announced it would be on heightened alert from March 31 to ensure the safety of the riding public and motorists this Holy Week and for vacation travels during the hot season.

LTO's heightened alert status will be from March 31 until April 10, covering weekends, a statement read.

Maundy Thursday and Good Friday fall on April 6 and 7, respectively, while the celebration of the Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor has been moved on April 10. These are all regular holidays.

• MMDA lifts number coding scheme on April 6-10, prepares for Holy week exodus

LTO chief Jay Art Tugade said his agency would conduct surprise inspections in terminals, assist motorists in need, and also inspect public utility vehicles during this period.

“Wala kaming hangad sa LTO kundi ang masigurong mairaraos nang maayos at ligtas ang Holy Week at bakasyon ng ating mga kababayan. Hinihingi rin namin ang pakikiisa ng publiko sa pag-iingat at pagsunod sa mga batas-trapiko para sa biyaheng ayos ngayong taon,” Tugade said in a statement.

LTO said it would also monitor major roads "heading north and south" of Metro Manila, as well as "all strategic locations and terminals in all regions of the country."

• Holy Week travelers urged: Be at airport 4 hours before international flights

Seminars will also be held on Tuesday, March 28 for public transport drivers and conductors tackling road safety this Holy Week, based on the statement.

Earlier, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) already announced suspending their number-coding scheme in the capital region from April 6 to 10.

The MMDA had also said it would set up a multi-agency command center at its metrobase in Makati City from April 3 to ensure “a peaceful and meaningful observance” of Lent.

Watch more News on iWantTFC