PCG on heightened alert starting December 13 for Christmas 2024

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said it will be on heightened alert from December 13, 2024 to January 6, 2025 in light of the expected influx of travelers during the Christmas season.

Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has directed Coast Guard districts, stations, and sub-stations to intensify security and safety measures in ports and terminals, according to a PCG statement.

The PCG said this is for the orderly sea travel operations and security of tourists in beaches and private resorts across the country.

"Our kababayans have long been waiting for this season to spend quality time with their families and loved ones, either at their home provinces or in various vacation spots. Thus, we are anticipating and preparing for the high volume of maritime traffic," Gavan said.

"We conduct 24/7 monitoring of nautical highways routes, especially in the Visayas where most tourist destinations are located. Rest assured, we will ensure maritime security and safety on our western and eastern seaboards, including inter-island routes. Our deployable response groups and the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) are ready for these operations," he added.

Western seaboard includes Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Aklan, Iloilo, and Zamboanga regions, while Eastern seaboard covers Manila, Bicol region, Samar, Leyte, and Surigao provinces.

Strict inspections will be conducted on passengers, luggages, terminals, and ships to ensure safe and convenient port operations.

Medical teams will be deployed to assist travelers in case of an emergency. Lifeguards, first responders, and more PCG personnel will hold patrol in maritime tourist destinations.

"We have safety inspectors in port terminals, law enforcement teams in strategic tourist vacation spots, patrol teams in critical vicinity waters, and deployable response groups on standby for additional security augmentations and rescue missions, as the need arises," Gavan said.

The PCG will be in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for safety and security inspections on vessels.

Port passengers are also reminded to remain vigilant and alert during their travel.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News