PPA meets PCG to enhance port security during Lenten break

Philippine Coast Guard logo. (Photo from PCG/Facebook)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) met on Wednesday to coordinate port security for the coming Holy Week break, which expects an influx of travelers.

“Hindi lang kami ang nagpapatakbo ng pantalan, tayo ‘yun. Let’s try to encourage na mag-usap muna para ‘pag labas sa meeting room ay iisa ang kumpas. Alam ng PPA ang gagawin niya, alam ng PCG ang gagawin niya, alam ng MARINA ang gagawin niya,” PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said.

(We are not the only ones who run the ports, it’s the both of us. Let’s try to encourage us to formulate plans so when we exit the meeting room, we act in accordance. PPA knows what to do, PCG knows what to do, [the Maritime Industry Authority] knows what to do.)

“Para magkaroon ng kumpiyansa ang publiko na lahat ng ahensiyang nagpapatakbo [sa mga pantalan] lalabas na alam ang ginagawa, iisa ang tiyempo,” dagdag pa ni GM Santiago.

(So that the public has confidence in the agencies who are managing the ports and it appears that we know what to do, and we are in rhythm.)

READ: PPA to Holy Week travelers : Avoid last-minute bookings to avoid delays

According to the PPA, it will deploy additional K9 units and security personnel.

Santiago also reminded travellers to exercise care for the ports.

“Pakiusap lang po sa ating mga kababayan, ito po ay terminal ng buong bansa, alagaan po natin,” he added.

(I remind our countrymen, this is a terminal of the whole country, let us take care of it.)