Coast Guard placed on full alert against new weather disturbance

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday directed all the agency’s units to prepare for the possible effects of the weather disturbance that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) before noon Wednesday.

PCG commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena placed all Coast Guard units that will be directly affected by the weather disturbance under full alert.

Isorena also directed all the district commanders in the affected areas to coordinate with their counterpart in the Regional Disaster Risk and Management Council for rescue and assistance activities.

PCG maritime safety inspectors were also directed to monitor sea condition in their areas of responsibility and to advise fishermen as well as operators of small vessels and motor bancas not to sail under the rough sea condition.

Meanwhile, PCG personnel and operating units are also on alert in ports and terminals as passengers return from their Christmas and New Year vacation in the provinces.

PCG spokesperson Cmdr. Armand Balilo reminded the public to avoid boarding colorum vessels.

He said operators of colorum vessels may resort to overloading and compromise passengers’ safety.

Balilo said Coast Guard units in major ports have instructions to be very strict in inspecting vessels for possible overloading or overcapacity.