Some banks open for Holy Week holidays

(Updated 12:53 p.m., March 27) While markets and private and government offices will be closed starting Thursday, March 28, in observance of Holy Week, there are bank branches that will be open with limited banking hours to meet the needs of their clients. In their respective advisories, BDO, Unibank, Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI), and Metrobank gave assurance that automated teller machines (ATMs) are ready to handle withdrawal transactions, which are normally heavy during this period. According to a report on GMA News' "24 Oras," among the banks that will be closed from March 28 to 31 are BDO, BPI, BPI Family Bank, Metrobank, and PSBank. Operations will resume on April 1, Monday. Online transactions Regular banking operations will resume on April 1, Monday. The report noted that ATMs will remain open during the holidays, with banks giving assurance assuring that they are trying to have sufficient funds for ATMs. However, many people are expected to cover their travel expenses by making withdrawals from ATMs. "We have ATM teams on call to respond quickly to the cash needs of our customers over the four-day holiday," BPI said, in a statement. "We expect heavy withdrawals during this time so we encourage our clients to plan their cash transactions early enough to avoid the rush." "While BPI and BPI Family branches and BPI Express branches in malls will be closed from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, you will still enjoy the convenience of our 24/7 self-service channels:  ATMs for withdrawals, Express Deposit Machines for deposits in real-time, internet, mobile  and phone banking for a variety of transactions such as funds transfer, bills payment and prepaid phone reloading. You may also wish to consider making purchases using Point-of-Sale terminals to enjoy the convenience of cashless shopping," it said. Online banking services will let people access their accounts during the holidays, according to Metrobank, saying selected branches of the bank will be open during the Holy Week. A list of Metrobank branches open through the holidays can be found here. Metrobank corporate clients were also advised to check the schedule of services posted on the bank's website. Security reminders BPI also reminded ATM users to be alert and take note of the Security/ PAALALA/ Safety reminders when using the ATM: Check the ATM area before using it. "If anything or anyone appears suspicious, leave at once. Do not use an ATM that appears to have tampered card or cash slots. Protect your ATM card as if it were cash. Report lost or stolen cards immediately. Don’t give your ATM card and PIN to anyone or write your PIN  in your card," BPI said. The bank also cautioned those making cash withdrawals at night. "If you withdraw in the evening, do use an ATM in a well-lighted place," it said. "Never accept any help from a stranger or good samaritan. Get your card, cash and receipt at once. Do not count your money at the ATM in front of other people. Call your bank if you need assistance," BPI added. — Amanda Lago and Siegfried Alegado/BM/VS, GMA News