MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has placed all its operating units nationwide on full alert status in preparation for the expected passenger exodus during the holidays.
“Handa na ang buong puwersa ng Philippine Coast Guard sa inaasahang pagdagsa ng mga pasahero na uuwi sa kani-kanilang mga probinsya para sa darating na Pasko at Bagong Taon (The Philippine Coast Guard is prepared for the expected influx of passengers going to their provinces for Christmas and New Year),” PCG commandant Admiral Elson Hermogino said in a statement.
The PCG will conduct pre-departure inspections in seaports to ensure that sea vessels will only board passengers in accordance with its capacity. Its personnel will also issue safety tips to the passengers.
The PCG will also monitor ports in various areas that are noted to have significant increases on the number of passengers during the holiday season such as Cebu, Batangas, Iloilo, Bicol and Zamboanga.
Additional personnel will be deployed to help ensure the security of tourists that will visit tourist spots such as Boracay, Coron, Puerto Galera and Anilao.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has started implementing its “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2018” from Dec. 10, 2018 until Jan. 5, 2019.
DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade directed all sectoral offices and attached agencies of the department to go on heightened alert for the Christmas season. (PNA)
