Passengers arrive at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange. Paige Javier, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — Thousands of travelers flocked to Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) on Sunday, with an official saying more were expected amid the Christmas holiday rush.

Kolyn Calbasa, senior corporate affairs officer at PITX, told TeleRadyo Serbisyo that 23,000 passengers arrived at the terminal as of 7 a.m. Sunday.

Calbasa said the number of travelers reached more than 200,000 this Friday and Saturday and many more were expected to rush to the terminal to visit their provinces for the holidays.

Heavier traffic observed in roads, skies ahead of Christmas

In a separate morning interview this Sunday, Toll Regulatory Board spokesperson Julius Corpus reported a smooth traffic flow on expressways  

"Kung nagbabalak ang ating mga motorista ng maglalakbay, sa ngayon ay ito ang panahon na sila'y puwedeng maglakbay nang matuloy-tuloy. Bagama't kami ay umaasahang hindi naman po siguro magiging kasing bigat ng pangyayari nung kahapon," he told TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

(If our motorists are planning to travel, now is the time they can travel smoothly. Although we expect that it may not be as heavy as what happened yesterday.)

Corpus added that their operators and concessionaires are on standby to assist motorists.

"Every day will be considered hightened alert day po kaya 24/7 ang services ng ating mga toll concessionaires and operators dito lalong-lalo na sa mga motoristang mangangailangan ng tulong sa kanilang paglalakbay kung nakaranas man sila ng aberya sa ating mga expressway," he said.

(Every day will be considered a heightened alert day, so our toll concessionaires and operators are providing 24/7 services, especially for motorists who may need assistance during their travel, particularly if they experience any issues on our expressways.)

The Philippine National Police had said it increased police visibility in malls, supermarkets, and other crowded areas as Filipinos begin holiday traditions and festivities ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Around 40,000 police personnel have been deployed nationwide, particularly in places of worship, major thoroughfares, transportation terminals, and tourist spots, PNP spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo said earlier this month.

PNP: Around 40,000 policemen deployed for the holidays

RELATED VIDEOS: