Following Presidential Proclamation No. 922, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has directed district personnel to implement massive sanitation of motorbancas, passenger ships, and lifejackets as a precautionary measure against COVID-19 today, 12 March 2020.

Due to the threat caused by the contagious virus, the PCG intensifies proper disinfection of seagoing vehicles and lifejackets that are compulsory for passengers during trips at sea.

“We receive concerns from regular motorbanca passengers about the cleanliness and safety of lifejackets handed over to them for usage. Hence, we directed our personnel to ensure that lifejackets are sanitized before and after usage to protect the health of the riding public,” said Commodore Armando A Balilo of the PCG - Civil Relations Service Command.

Moreover, PCG personnel shall oversee the daily sanitation of motorbancas, as well as the availability of hand sanitizers or alcohol at port terminals.

PCG safety inspectors are also directed to implement regular sanitation of passenger ships, specifically on areas that are usually occupied by the riding public and crew members.

Furthermore, port state control officers are instructed to continue massive monitoring of foreign vessels coming from China, Macau, Hong Kong, and other COVID-19 infected countries. They are also advised to build up their immune system and perform personal precautionary measures to protect themselves against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, PCG Commandant, Admiral Joel S Garcia and Bureau of Customs Commissioner Rey Leonardo Guerrero have agreed to intensify maritime border patrol along vicinity waters where foreign and local vessels are frequently passing to ensure that any crew member or passenger with no permit from the Bureau of Quarantine will not reach the shoreline through small motorboats in the area.