Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo has reminded all PCG operating units to maintain high state of readiness even during the holiday season.
Admiral Tamayo said that PCG fleet which maintains and operates the vessel flotilla and air assets must be ready to respond to maritime emergencies.
The PCG's maritime security personnel will be placed on heightened alert in anticipation of the influx of passengers to the provinces for the holidays.
Admiral Tamayo has directed all district commanders nationwide to coordinate with other agencies, shipping companies and associations for the integration of all safety and security measures to be implemented in the terminals and on board vessels.
The PCG has dispatched additional K9s, SOGs, sea marshals and medical teams to busy ports around the country.
The PCG is keeping a close watch of maritime activities in Batangas and Bicol ports due to the expected high passenger traffic using the roll-on roll-off (Ro-ro) nautical highway routes. Tourist spots like Boracay, Coron and Puerto Galera are also being monitored.
All Coast Guard stations and detachments have been directed to ensure that their personnel are vigilant against overloading of vessels, lack of life-saving appliances, improper lashing of cargo, and colorum vessels in coordination with shipping and local port authorities. |
