Allen seaport in Northern Samar (File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has ordered heightened security in all ports under its jurisdiction to help cope with the influx of port passengers during the holiday season.
In a statement on Tuesday, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said more than 200 port police officers wearing body-worn cameras would be deployed to all PPA ports, in addition to the 24/7 operation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras as part of its Port Surveillance System (PSS) located at the PPA head office in Manila.
The PSS covers 52 PPA sites across the country, allowing the PPA central office to verify the situation in these locations.
Santiago assured travelers that the port police would be “one call away” to address travel concerns.
He ordered port police officers to conduct “honest and transparent duties”, especially during the busiest season of the year.
“I hope that you can follow or look up to the good examples of those who went ahead of you who rendered great and excellent service. Though I am supportive of various activities to further improve our delivery of service, I am expecting that you’ll continue to be part in combatting any wrongdoings,” he said.
By year-end, the PPA is expecting the number of port passengers to climb to 57 million, a “200 percent” increase compared to data in 2021.
To date, the PPA is also implementing the “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos” and “No Leave Policy” for port employees to help “guarantee” safe and secure sea travel during the holiday season. (PNA)
