PCG EXPANDS COVERAGE
The Philippine Coast Guard is monitoring small sea ports as inter-island transport goes to high gear for the holidays.
Coast Guard Station Cebu Commander Rolando Lizor Punzalan Jr. said they received reports that many motorized bancas are transporting passengers without permits in Mactan Channel and Pasil areas.
The Coast Guard fielded 75 personnel in the entire province of Cebu for Operation Ligtas Kwaresma.
Some are stationed in Hagnaya port in San Remigio town in north Cebu, the gateway to Bantayan Island.
One stafer is assigned in Bato Port in the southernmost town of Santander, jump-off point to Dumaguete City and Negros Oriental.
The Coast Guard is deputized to enforce maritime rules like ensuring vessels sail without overloading. /Correspondent Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua
MORE FERRIES FOR BANTAYAN AND CAMOTES
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) 7 issued special permits for more trips for vessels plying routes for Bantayan and Camotes islands in north Cebu.
Ferries that leave by the hour from Hagnaya port for Sta. Fe town in Bantayan Island routes have increased from five to six, said Marina 7 Legal Officer Jose Cabatingan.
Asian Marine Transport which operates the Super Shuttle ferries added trips going to Bantayan Island, a favorite destination in summer.
The special permits are valid for 30 days from March 30.
More ferry trips are also available for Camotes Island, another popular destination in northeast Cebu.
Jomalla Shipping, which operates the Danao to Camotes route, added one vessel to its existing two boats for the season. Llast March, Golden Star Manning & Ship Management Corp. started serving the Camotes -Cebu route with two sea vessels.
No additional trips were provided for Bohol, Leyte, and Mindanao routes because existing services are sufficient for the volume of passengers, said Cabatingan. /Correspondent Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua
POLICE TO BUSINESS: ‘SECURE YOUR PREMISES’
The Mandaue City Police Office reminded business owners to check their premises because of the risk of burglary during the five-day Holy Week break.
With the long holiday, the public has to be extra vigilant about activities of akyat-bahay gangs, and robbery groups that strike when business enterprises are closed and personnel are out of town or busy with religious obligations, said Chief Inspector Michael Bastes.
The chief of the Investigative and Detective Management Bureau (IDMB) said this security measure was discussed in their conference with MCPO Director Supt. Noel Gillamac,
Station chiefs were ordered to coordinate with bank officials, pawnshops, money changers and business establishment that have no security guards to advise them not to be lax during the five-day holiday.
Bastes said many people will be using the ATM to get cash. They should be be alert for snatchers and holduppers./Norman V. Mendoza, Correspondent