The Coast Guard in Negros Oriental deployed more personnel to different ports in anticipation of an influx of travelers for the holidays.

Lt. Marionne Abigal Enopia, Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental commander, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that they began implementing their security plan two days earlier, as people have already started arriving in the province.

“We were supposed to start our Oplan Ligtas Byaheng Pasko on Saturday, [December 13], but our district commander, Commodore Christopher Auro, wanted us to start early so we can maximize our operations,” Enopia said.

The Coast Guard has already set up its Malasakit help desks and deployed K-9 sniffing dogs at passenger terminals in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

Enopia said they are also making arrangements with the Red Cross for volunteers to be deployed at the city port here to respond to emergencies.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard commander assured that they will not allow passenger ships or motor bancas that are overloaded to depart.

Enopia pointed out that shipping companies have been informed of the no-sail policy for overloaded ships, so they are aware of the specific number of tickets to be given for a particular journey.

“Baywatch” personnel and maritime patrols will be held daily along the coasts, especially in areas where resorts and tourists abound, such as in Dauin and Apo Island.

The maritime security patrols are also on the alert for possible smuggling activities, particularly in the southern portion of the province, Enopia said. (PNA)