BY NAPOLEON OLASO and JIM CARLO BUTON | UM Interns
THE COAST Guard District Southeastern Mindanao assured of secure and safe waters as preparations ramp up for the anticipated tourist surge for the Holy Week and summer vacation.
Ensign Winston Gonzales, Coast Guard spokesperson, said they will be on heightened alert across Davao Region from April 13 to 20, under “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos.”
This means more personnel will be stationed at ports, beaches, and tourist areas, with health and assistance desks set up for travelers on top of pre-departure inspections.
He said they continue with resort and vessel inspections to ensure safety, focusing on life-saving equipment and seaworthiness amid a rising passenger volume of 1.65 million in 2024.
Gonzales urged the public to follow safety protocols and reminded boat owners against using fishing vessels to ferry passengers. Also, they constantly coordinate with boat operators to prevent overloading and unauthorized trips.
Meanwhile, the Coast Guard also coordinated with the police to secure election materials, especially for island areas like Samal and Balut, ahead of the May 2025 polls.
