CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro (PIA) — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) raised its alert status to heightened alert from April 13 to 20 in support of “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos,” in observance of the Lenten Season and the summer vacation.
“Under the directive of Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, all PCG units nationwide are ordered to implement intensified security, safety and maritime law enforcement operations in major ports, ferry terminals and coastal tourism destinations to ensure the safe and orderly travel of passengers and vacationers,” PCG Southern Tagalog said in its social media post.
Southern Tagalog Coast guard personnel will be deployed to conduct round-the-clock assistance, passenger safety checks, baggage inspections and vessel pre-departure inspections in close coordination with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and other port stakeholders.
The PCG will also maintain close coordination with other law enforcement agencies to enhance the safety and security of travelers and maritime facilities.
In anticipation of a surge in the number of passengers as Filipinos travel to their home provinces or take advantage of the long holiday for leisure trips, the PCG vows to ensure their safety by strictly monitoring vessel compliance with safety regulations, preventing overloading and responding to any maritime emergencies,” PCG Southern Tagalog added.
To bolster operations, the PCG will deploy Deployable Response Groups (DRGs), medical teams, Search and Rescue (SAR) units, K9 Units, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) and maritime safety inspectors. These response teams will be strategically positioned in high-traffic ports, terminals, and tourist hotspots nationwide to ensure immediate assistance and rapid emergency response.
Also, teams will be augmented in frontline operations by assisting in crowd control, information dissemination, public assistance and emergency response coordination—further strengthening the PCG’s presence and service delivery during the travel rush.
To ensure that passenger concerns are promptly addressed, Malasakit Help Desks will be activated at key ports and terminals such as Batangas Port. Calapan City Port, Abra de Ilog, San Jose Port Terminals, among others. These desks will serve as one-stop assistance centers for inquiries, complaints and emergency response coordination, manned by Coast Guard personnel and partner agencies, the PCG said.
Meanwhile, travelers are advised to remain vigilant, purchase tickets ahead of travel time, arrive early at terminals, follow safety protocols, avoid bringing prohibited items, and report any suspicious activity to the nearest Coast Guard personnel.
The PCG Southern Tagalog assured the public of its full commitment to uphold maritime safety and provide public assistance during the Holy Week exodus and summer travel surge. (ALG/PIA MIMAROPA-Oriental Mindoro/With story and photos from PCG Southern Tagalog)
