PCG on alert for Undas, warns passengers vs ‘colorum’ vessels

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday reiterated its warning to passengers against colorum vessels, as it prepares for the coming Undas (All Souls Day and All Saints Day) weekend.

“Medyo maganda na ‘yung ating kampanya against sa colorum dito naman po sa Visayas. Pero naghigpit na tayo diyan at iilan-ilan na lang nakita natin,” PCG Spokesperson Captain Armand Balilo said in an interview with Radyo Inquirer.

(We have intensified our campaign against colorum (vessels) especially here in the Visayas)

“Ngayon kung meron pa, ang pakisuap natin, huwag ho kayong sumakay dun sa mga bangkang di naman talaga pampasahero at aalukin kayo na sumakay, delikado po yan at malalagay ang buhay niyo sa panganib,” he added.

(We are requesting passengers not to ride vessels that are not for passenger use. This is dangerous and will place their lives in danger).

Moreover, Balilo assured that the PCG has started its security preparations to ensure the safety of passengers planning to come home during the Undas weekend.

“May directive na po si Admiral Hermogino (PCG chief Admiral Elson Hermogino) sa lahat ng aming distrito nationwide, na pagibayuhin na ang aming security at safety activities, para po nang sa gayon hindi maisakripisyo yung kaligtasan ng mga kababayan nating babiyahe ngayong Undas,” Balilo said.

(Admiral Hermogino has issued a directive to all our districts nationwide to intensify all security and safety activities, so that the safety of our countrymen who will be travelling this Undas will not be sacrificed)

“Nagdeploy ho tayo ng mga barko, ini-scattered natin yung mga barko para kung, hindi naman sana no, may mga response teams tayo at yung mga safety inspectors, ang pinakaimportante rito yung mga nasa pier, kasama ng Marina at ng Philippine Ports Authority. Yung ating mga quick reaction team naka-on alert na rin po, wala pong uwian, wala pong leave ngayon pong Undas,” he added.  /muf

(We have deployed vessels. We also have response teams and safety inspectors at the piers alongside the Marina and the Philippine Ports Authority. Our quick reaction teams are also on red alert. There will be no leaves this Undas)