By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Coast Guard District Western Visayas (CGDWV) has been placed under a “red alert” status for the holidays.

CGDWV district commander, Captain Weniel Azcuna, said they have been on heightened alert status since December 3, in response to the bombing at Mindanao State University, which resulted in four fatalities and more than 50 injuries.

Azcuna said the heightened alert status was ordered by Philippine Coast Guard commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.

The CGDWV commander said they are expecting an influx of passengers going home or for vacation as early as next week.

So far, the situation at the various ports in Western Visayas is still manageable.

Meanwhile, Azcuna said they are strictly checking the condition of all seacrafts before leaving the port, after two ferry vessels plying the Iloilo-Bacolod route broke down earlier this month.

The inspections being carried out also aim to prevent the overloading of passengers and cargo.

Security at the ports has also been tightened and passengers’ bags are inspected prior to being allowed inside the terminal areas./DGB, WDJ