Bank ATMs ready to serve public during holidays

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Local banks have taken measures to continue serving the public during the long holiday weekend.

Big banks, including Bank of the Philippine Islands, Banco de Oro Unibank and the Metrobank group, issued separate advisories that their ATMs across the country would be ready to service transactions during the All Saints’ Day weekend.

While all BPI and BPI Family Savings Bank branches and kiosks will be closed on November 1 and 2, branches and kiosks with weekend banking operations will be open as usual on Sunday, November 3.

“We are encouraging the public to withdraw and finish their transactions early enough to avoid the rush and queues. If possible, please withdraw at ATMs in the city as the ATMs along the expressways are busiest during holidays,” BPI said.

Banco de Oro Unibank said all of its branches would be closed to the public on Nov. 1 and Nov. 2 but select branches such as those located in shopping malls would resume operations on Sunday (Nov. 3). It also assured the public that its more than 2,100 ATMs nationwide would be ready to service withdrawal transactions.

Metropolitan Bank and Trust Co. and its thrift bank unit Philippine Savings Bank said their ATMs nationwide would have sufficient cash to meet the requirements of customers during the holidays.

“The bank’s operation support teams will be available and on stand-by 24/7 to address any concerns on ATM services,” Metrobank said. “Customers can also still use their Metrobank debit and prepaid cards to purchase at supermarkets, drugstores, department stores, or any MasterCard-affiliated establishments nationwide.”

It said Metrobank’s e-channels would also be available for bank transactions such as balance inquiry, fund transfers, bills payment, or mobile phone reloading.

“We are making sure that all our ATMs nationwide will be up and running to serve our clients. They may also use our 24/7 internet facility PSBank Online for their other banking transactions,” PSBank EVP Jose Vicente L. Alde said.

To avoid long lines at ATMs, BPI encouraged the public to use electronic payment channels.

BPI also reminded the public to practice these precautionary ATM reminders:

1. Check the area before using an ATM. If anyone or anything appears suspicious, leave at once.

2. Do not use ATMs that appear to have tampered card / cash slots.

3. Have your card ready for use.

4. Cover your hand as you type your PIN.

5. Never accept help from a stranger. Call your bank.

6. For your security, never count your money at the ATM in full view of strangers.

7. Get your card and transaction slip at once.

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