The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is on heightened alert in line with the big number of passengers travelling to their provinces during Holy Week.

In a statement on Wednesday, the OCD regional offices, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (RDRRMCs) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) placed some areas in the country under blue alert "in preparation for a slow-onset hazard event or in anticipation of situation escalation"

The National Capital Region (NCR) was placed under blue alert from 5 pm of April 16 until 8 am of April 21.

"As of 6 p.m. yesterday, a blue alert has been issued for the NDRRMOC and the regions of CAR, I, II, III, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII, Caraga, and BAR".

However, "Regions V and VI are currently on red alert due to potential threats from Mt. Mayon and Mt. Kanlaon, respectively, as well as other weather disturbances expected during the Lenten season", it added.

Around 145,620 passengers are expected to use the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

"From April 13 to 20, total passenger volume is projected to reach over 1.18 million?14 percent higher than last year?with even heavier traffic expected in the next few days", NAIA said in a Facebook post.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitored 77,782 outbound passengers and 68,890 inbound passengers in all ports nationwide as of 6 am to 12 noon on Wednesday.

NDRRMC Executive Director and Office of Civil Defense Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno advised the public "to prioritize their safety and act with discipline".Marie Manalili/DMS