Coast Guard on Lenten season alert

The Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Cabra (PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is on heightened alert for the Lenten season from  April 8 – 18.

PCG Commandant Artemio Abu said Friday that through the directive of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, he has directed all Coast Guard units to initiate proactive measures to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of sea passengers who will travel to their home provinces and tourists who will visit recreational destinations starting this weekend.

“I instructed District Commanders to be present on the ground and oversee the implementation of maximum security measures. They are also responsible for supervising the conduct of regular port monitoring and coastal security patrol in major tourist destinations,” Abu said in a statement.

Abu also reiterated his directive to intensify vessel inspection to ensure the seaworthiness of all passenger vessels, including the availability of lifejackets and other lifesaving gear.

“I am also appealing to the general public to be patient during the pre-departure inspection. Please make sure that you have all documentary requirements requested by the local government unit of your destination to avoid delays as there are LGUs requiring antigen test and S-PASS registration upon arrival,” he said.

“Let us also comply with the minimum health protocols for everyone’s protection amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

According to Abu, the PCG has deployed additional security personnel and medical officers to man help desks in major ports, together with the Philippine Ports Authority and the Maritime Industry Authority.

Abu also advised the public to be at the port terminal at least three hours before their scheduled departure to give time for safety and security protocols and pre-departure inspection onboard the vessel.

He likewise reminded passengers to avoid carrying prohibited items such as flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gases, radioactive materials, and explosives.

“If authorized to carry firearms, make sure that you have complete documents for review,” he said.

Meanwhile, Coast Guard Districts have dispatched additional lifeguards to help resort owners and local government units in achieving zero casualty during the Lenten Season.

PCG said patrol teams are also deployed in populated tourist destinations and water sports locations to immediately respond to emergencies.

gsg