Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant, CG Admiral Ronnie L Gavan, has lauded Coast Guardians for achieving a generally safe and peaceful maritime travel during the observance of Semana Santa 2024.

He shared Coast Guard Districts monitored an orderly and secure conduct of maritime operations in all ports and waterways across the country.

“I congratulate all PCG personnel for their dedication and hard work. Thank you for continuously prioritizing public service above your personal interests,” CG Admiral Gavan expressed.

On Holy Tuesday, 26 March 2024, the PCG assisted a passenger who jumped overboard a passenger-cargo vessel en route from Batangas Port to Calapan Port. She was rescued and received necessary medical assistance before proper turnover to her relatives.

On Maundy Thursday, 28 March 2024, the PCG responded to a vessel that ran aground while en route from Real Port to Polillo Port. According to the crew, the vessel drifted into shallow waters during maneuvering until it reached the sandy seabed near Real Port. The PCG initiated a rescue operation and facilitated the safe disembarkation of passengers by utilizing private motorbancas to ferry the rescued individuals back to Real Port.

On Easter Sunday, 31 March 2024, the PCG revived a two-year-old victim who almost drowned while leisurely swimming with his family at Buri Baras Beach, Barangay Estaka, Catbalogan City, Western Samar. After rescuing the victim approximately 10 meters from the shoreline, Coast Guard personnel conducted cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) until he gained consciousness. Afterwards, he was brought to the nearest hospital for further medical assistance.

PCG Spokesperson, CG Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, said Coast Guardians performed various port security operations, including safety inspections, harbor and seaborne patrols, and serving as sea marshals on board passenger vessels to ensure safe voyage.

Moreover, PCG doctors, nurses, and medical personnel provided assistance to sea passengers who experienced health-related concerns while waiting at passenger port terminals, especially amid the extreme summer heat.

Aside from augmenting port safety and security teams, Coast Guard personnel also conducted baywatch and foot patrol in beach resorts and other maritime tourist destinations to monitor the preparedness of lifeguards and availability of life-saving gears in cases of emergency.

PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) volunteers also assisted by providing force augmentation.

Furthermore, the PCG actively coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in ensuring public safety amid the Holy Week.

“We thank the public for cooperating with the PCG’s stricter inspections and additional maritime safety measures before departure. Rest assured that we will continue to uphold safety as our utmost priority,” the Coast Guard Commandant ended.