Coast Guard on full alert nationwide for Undas

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is on full alert status nationwide in preparation for the influx of passengers going to the provinces to mark All Saints Day and All Souls Day. (Photo by Vincent Paul Sanchez/Flickr, CC BY 2.0)

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is on full alert status nationwide in preparation for the influx of passengers going to the provinces to mark All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

The PCG will activate Oplan Biyaheng Ayos from Oct. 26 to Nov. 6 to heighten security measures on all ports and ferry terminals in the country.

Passenger Assistance Center (PAC) booths will be set up in various seaports nationwide where a huge influx of passengers is expected. They will be manned by personnel of the PCG, Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), other government and non-government offices, and the PCG Auxiliary, in coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), to address travelers’ complaints and provide them assistance.

“The Coast Guard appeals for the passengers’ cooperation as tighter security measures will be enforced for the passenger exodus,” PCG spokesperson Capt. Armand Balilo said in a statement Wednesday.

Coast Guard units were advised to ensure that maritime activities were monitored 24/7 and that all its personnel and assets were ready to respond to any maritime incident.

Ship inspectors and PCG K-9 teams were instructed to be vigilant and conduct random checks on passengers and their luggage to ensure that no dangerous cargo or explosive material would be loaded on passenger and cargo vessels.

The PCG reminds travelers to be at the seaport at least three hours before departure time and not to carry restricted cargo, such as flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gases, radioactive materials and explosives, to avoid search delays and inconveniences.

Travelers riding boats with open decks are advised to wear life jackets during the trip to ensure their safety. Ship passengers are also advised to avoid “colorum” inter-island passenger vessels, as they have no insurance coverage for their passengers and do not comply with safety standards set by the MARINA.