THE PHILIPPINE Coast Guard (PCG) will go on a heightened alert as part of maritime security preparations for the upcoming Holy Week.
PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan directed all Coast Guard districts, stations, and sub-stations to intensify seaborne patrols and safety measures in all ports and waterways nationwide from March 23 to April 3.
Also, the personnel are ready for the expected influx of people who will return home and go on vacation in tourist destinations during the observance of Semana Santa.
During the AFP PNP press conference on Wednesday, March 13, at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, Lt Commander Angel Tobias, Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao chief of staff, said they will deploy more or less 700 personnel to ensure security at the ports on March 24-31, 2024.
Moreover, All PCG districts nationwide have corresponding K9 teams, special operations forces, harbor patrollers, and ship inspectors stationed in ports, all directed to exercise extra vigilance in inspecting passengers and luggage and provide assistance in emergency cases.
Likewise, coastal security and rescue personnel will augment the lifeguards of private resorts. Coast Guard medical officers shall also be deployed to augment existing medical teams during emergencies at sea.
PCG Auxiliary Volunteers were also tapped to form deployable response groups that will assist in the upcoming Holy Week operations.
Gavan instructed PCG personnel and PCGA volunteers to “exercise vigilance and extend patience during passenger and luggage checks.”
He said Coast Guard K9 units and security teams will also implement thorough port terminal and vessel inspections to achieve “zero maritime casualty” during the Holy Week.
Seaborne patrol units of the PCG were also told to prepare for possible search and rescue missions.
