No entry for vessels in parts of Pasig River, Manila Bay during papal visit

Unauthorized vessels may not enter parts of Pasig River and Manila Bay during Pope Francis' five-day visit to the Philippines.

 

The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority said this is part of the maritime exclusion and identification zones policy for the visit.

 

Covered by the identification and exclusion zones are:

 

Pasig River:
 

from Muelle del Rio up to Nagtahan Bridge

- identification zone from 5 to 8:30 a.m. Jan. 16

- exclusion zone from 8:30 a.m. until lifted

 

Manila Bay:
 

from MOA seaside to Philippine Navy headquarters:

- identification zone from 6 a.m. to noon Friday

- exclusion zone from noon Friday until lifted
 

from Pier 13 South Harbor to Navy headquarters:

- identification zone from 5:30 a.m. Jan. 17 to 11:30 a.m. Jan. 18

- exclusion zone from 11:30 a.m. Jan. 18 until lifted

 

Under the maritime identification zone, all watercraft entering the area will be challenged by Philippine Navy and Philippine Coast Guard vessels.

 

They are to state their vessel name, international call sign, intention and activities, cargos, passengers, and ports of origin and destination.

 

Navy and Coast Guard vessels have the option to search the vessels.

 

But under the exclusion zone, no watercraft may enter the area, and those forcing their way into the zone "will be considered hostile" and subjected to "appropriate" response.

 

The NAMRIA also advised all ships and vessels including yachts, motor bancas and fishing boats "regardless of tonnage" not to enter or navigate within these zones.

 

Pope Francis arrived in the Philippines Thursday afternoon for a five-day visit.

During his visit, he will take part in activities in Metro Manila and Leyte. —Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News