Coast Guard to strictly

monitor for overloading

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The head of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Occidental yesterday said they will be conducting strict monitoring of all vessels in the province during the observance of the Holy Week, which begins on Palm Sunday, April 14, and ends on Easter Sunday, April 21.

PCG-Negros Occidental chief, Commander Ludovico Librilla, Jr., said they will also be setting up passenger assistance desks at various ports as early as Saturday.

He said they will coordinate with local police in securing terminals, while PCG personnel will conduct routine checks on all vessels to make sure they are all in working order and not overloaded.

The PCG official also advised travelers to show up at terminal at least a few hours before their scheduled departure.

He added, travelers should also avoid carrying contraband such as firearms and bladed weapons.

Meanwhile, Librilla expects the number of passengers across the province to increase before the observance of Holy Thursday, which falls on April 18./DGB, WDJ