Coast Guard goes on heightened alert for Holy Week travelers

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will go on heightened alert next week in anticipation of the influx of thousands of passengers in ports going home to the provinces for the Holy Week break.

Commodore Joel Garcia, PCG officer-in-charge, has ordered all PCG units to be on alert status from April 5 to 20, strictly implementing maximum security measures for the public’s safety.

“It is part of our duty to ensure the safe and convenient sea travels of everyone who will utilize sea transport during the season of Lent,” Garcia said in a statement issued on Saturday.

The PCG stressed the importance of the readiness of all PCG personnel and assets to be able to address emergencies as passengers flock to seaports.

The Philippines will observe the Holy Week this month, starting with Palm Sunday falling on April 9 and Easter Sunday on April 16.

Filipinos usually go home to the provinces during the break to observe the season of Lent and its traditions or to go on vacation and be with loved ones.

As a result, there’s always a big influx of passengers at airports, bus terminals and seaports as travelers go home to the province and as they return to Metro Manila.

Garcia directed ship inspectors and K-9 teams to be extra vigilant and conduct random checks on passengers and their luggage. This is to ensure that no dangerous cargoes or explosive materials will be carried onboard passenger and cargo vessels.

Garcia advised passengers to be at the seaports three hours before the scheduled departure of their vessel.

Prohibited items are flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gases and radioactive materials and explosives.

Those carrying firearms are required to present complete documents to avoid search delays and inconvenience.

Garcia also reminded passengers riding on boats with open decks to cooperate with ship regulations in wearing life jackets during the voyage.

Pre-departure inspections will be boosted to prevent overloaded ships from sailing out of the ports, and to make sure that the vessels are sea-worthy with an adequate number of life-saving equipment.

As part of the pre-departure inspection, ship officials will be required to present all valid pertinent documents before they are granted a clearance to depart the port.

The PCG will post personnel at passengers assistance center booths at ports, along with personnel from the Department of Transportations, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, and the PCG Auxiliary.

PCG medical teams will also be on standby at the booths. /atm