MANILA – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been placed on “heightened alert” Monday as part of the PCG’s preparation for this year’s All Saints’ Day, also locally called “Undas”.
In a media bulletin, Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG commandant, directed operating units to be on heightened alert from Oct. 24 to Nov. 3.
“Our PCG Districts conduct 24/7 operations to monitor nautical highways routes, especially in the Visayas where the majority of tourist destinations are situated,” Abu said.
Port passengers are seen to increase during this period to be with their families in the provinces while many are also expected to flock to tourist destinations.
"We have maritime safety inspectors in port terminals, law enforcement teams in strategic locations, maritime patrol teams in critical vicinity waters, and deployable response groups (DRGs) on standby for possible search and rescue missions during maritime incidents or emergencies,” he said.
In addition, the PCG has intensified operations with the Philippine Ports Authority and the Maritime Industry Authority in performing vessel safety and security inspections and reminding port passengers to wear face masks and follow other Covid-19 protocols.
“PCG units also conduct foot patrols in major port terminals and tourist destinations to continuously remind the general public to stay alert at all times and to provide further assistance,” he said.
To date, there are PCG operating units in the country’s western seaboard tasked to monitor the provinces of Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Aklan, Iloilo and Zamboanga.
In the eastern seaboard, PCG units monitor Manila, Bicol Region, Samar, Leyte and Surigao provinces.
“I have instructed concerned units to ensure maritime security and safety in our western and eastern seaboards, as well as inter-island routes. Our DRGs and PCG Auxiliary volunteers are also augmenting these operations,” Abu said.
He called on the public to “remain vigilant” during their trip and to reach out to authorities such as PCG personnel if they find suspicious baggage or persons.
Earlier, the Land Transportation Office announced its intention to raise the alert level for land transportation as part of “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos Undas 2022” to boost the safety and security of passengers and motorists during Undas. (PNA)
