Coast Guard on

heightened alert

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Occidental has raised their alert status yesterday ahead of Holy Week observance, which starts on Palm Sunday, April 14 and ends on Easter Sunday, April 21.

In a statement released by the PCG’s “Tanod Baybayin” social media page, all PCG units were ordered to “brace up” security and safety measures at all ports and ferry terminals not just for the Holy Week but for the rest of the summer vacation period.

K9 teams, special operations forces, harbor patrollers, and ship inspectors stationed at ports were also directed to exercise extra vigilance when inspecting passengers and luggage to maintain travel safety and security.

In addition, medical teams will be ready to provide assistance in emergency situations.

Beaches are also being monitored by coastal security and rescue personnel to augment as lifeguards.

Coast Guard units were advised to ensure maritime activities are monitored 24/7 and that all PCG personnel and assets are ready to respond to any maritime and land-based incident.

Earlier, PCG-Negros Occidental chief, Commander Ludovico Librilla, Jr., said they will be conducting strict monitoring of all vessels in the province 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./DGB, WDJ