PCG to go on heightened alert for DOTr’s holiday travel campaign

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said it will go on heightened alert from December 16 to January 5, in support of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2021.

In a statement, PCG Commandant CG Admiral Leopoldo Laroya said he instructed the district, station, and sub-station commanders, per directive of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, to coordinate with concerned government agencies in ensuring the safety and security in all ports and harbors where passengers are expected flock during the holiday season.

“Our floating assets shall be strategically deployed in areas with expected heavy inbound and outbound of passengers. Meanwhile, our PCG capital ships and air assets will conduct seaborne patrols and maritime surveillances over major sea lanes and beach resorts, in coordination with concerned Coast Guard districts,” Laroya said.

He added that the PCG will follow a list of proactive measures for the “orderly operation of sea transport facilities, convenient travel of the riding public, as well as the safety and security of resort visitors.”

Some of these include the manning of the “Malasakit Help Desk” in various seaport terminals for the provision of passenger assistance and their coordination with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for the processing of special permits for additional trips of vessels if needed.

They will also ready deployable response groups (DRGs) and contingency plans for maritime incidents or emergencies, and conduct information drives among stakeholders on maritime safety advisories during inclement weather.

Laroya said their auxiliary personnel were tapped to provide additional assistance and prepare for possible rescue operations or relief missions during the holidays.

PCG will also provide frontline personnel to support the Department of Health (DOH) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to monitor the observance of minimum public health standards, such as wearing of face masks and physical distancing.

“We will also work closely with local Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and shipping companies and emphasize integrated commitment to security and safety in water transport services,” Laroya added.

He said that this will be possible through the inspection of baggage, implementation of security layers in ports and passenger terminals, and prohibiting excess passengers during voyages.

Further, Laroya said he instructed his personnel to ensure that the operations of colorum or undocumented watercraft will be prohibited by implementing a public awareness campaign and enforcing laws and regulations against violators. — Giselle Ombay/BM, GMA News