By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Northern Negros Occidental warns operators of colorum motor bancas to stop their trips or face legal action.
This warning is part of the PCG’s security preparations for Holy Week and the summer season, when travelers may hire colorum motor bancas as a means of transport for leisure purposes.
Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, PCG-Northern Negros Occidental station chief, reminded sea travelers and pleasure cruisers that colorum motor bancas pose danger as they do not comply with the safety standards set by the Maritime Industry Authority.
In a few months, Mercurio said the public may have already been aware of the dangers of riding unregistered motor bancas following a string of incidents last year.
“Please note that chartering unauthorized vessels or small boats is illegal,” Mercurio said.
“If it comes to our attention, we will apprehend the boat, and the passengers will also be held accountable,” he added.
Operators may face criminal charges related to the anti-colorum act.
The PCG is placed on a “heightened alert” status starting tomorrow, March 24, as part of the security measures for the observance of Holy Week from April 2 to 8, 2023.
Influx of travelers expected
The PCG-Northern Negros Occidental also prepares for the expected influx of boat passengers during the Holy Week.
They are already seeing a steady increase in the influx of passengers coming into the province.
Mercurio said he has already instructed his personnel to check their assets such as boats to ensure they are operational.
PCG personnel will be posted in the various ports such as the BREDCO and Banago ports in Bacolod City.
They will oversee the security of the travelers in the ports in the cities of Sagay, Escalante and San Carlos, and in the towns of Pulupandan and E.B. Magalona.
The PCG has also begun checking various beach resorts, particularly in Bacolod City.
Mercurio said they are checking that every resort should have an available lifeguard with the appropriate training.
“All lifeguards should renew their certificates annually,” Mercurio said.
The PCG is the leading agency that trains and oversees the capabilities of the lifeguards./DGB, WDJ