PCG on heightened alert on July 24 due to Sona, looming threat of Egay

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in several parts of Luzon will be on heightened alert in preparation for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s second State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 24 and the looming threat of severe tropical storm Egay (international name: Doksuri).

In a statement issued on Sunday, PCG said that the heightened alert status would start on Monday in the National Capital Region (NCR); Central, Northeastern, and Northwestern Luzon; Southern Tagalog; and Bicol Region.

“Mananatiling naka-heightened alert ang mga PCG districts, stations, at sub-stations sa mga nabanggit na rehiyon hanggang sa tuluyang humupa ang sama ng panahon,” PCG said.

(PCG districts, stations, and sub-stations in the abovementioned regions will remain on heightened alert until the bad weather subsides completely.)

Aside from the inclement weather, PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the agency’s move also aims to help maintain a peaceful Sona and three-day transport strike starting tomorrow.

“Katuwang ang Armed Forces of the Philippines at Philippine National Police, magpapakalat ang PCG ng mga security personnel, K9 units, at medical teams sa mga kritikal na lugar sa NCR kaugnay ng Sona 2023,” Abu added.

(In partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, the PCG will deploy security personnel, K9 units, and medical teams to critical areas in the NCR for Sona 2023.)

PCG added that its deployable response teams for immediate evacuation and rescue operations are on standby in provinces that Egay is forecast to pass through.

To ensure the safety of passengers, the agency likewise coordinated with the Philippine Ports Authority and Maritime Industry Authority in packing meals and hygiene kits for locals expected to be affected by the severe tropical storm.

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