MANILA, Philippines. (28 October 2019) - In connection with the observance of All Saints Day "Undas 2019”, the Philippine Coast Guard kicks off the first day implementation and observance of heightened alert status for the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2019.

“As the Commandant of the Philippine Coast Guard, I hereby directed all PCG units to brace up security and safety measures on all ports and ferry terminals this All Saint’s Day to ensure the orderly operation of sea transport facilities safe/convenient travel of the seafaring public and even the safety and security of resort visitors," Vice Admiral Garcia stated.

Aside from the observance of this religious event, the Filipinos have long been taking this opportunity to travel together with their family members and to visit major tourist spots in our county since closing of classes is also alongside with the All Saint’s Day. Thus, we are anticipating the volume of maritime traffic.

“With this, we make sure that all our available assets are strategically located in ports nationwide. As of this date, we have to sail ships including one 55-meter multi-mission offshore vessels, nine 44-meter multi role response vessels, six 30-meter monitoring control surveillance vessels, two 35-meter search and rescue vessels, three 24-meter fast patrol boats aside from the other small crafts including two 12-meter high speed boats, 10 seven-meter rigid hull inflatable boats, aluminum boats and rubber boats. The Command is making sure to monitor critical ports especially in the western and eastern seaboard of the country," he added.

This Monday, PCG ships with personnel from K9, Special Operations Force, Medical teams, Marine Environmental Protection Command, Coast Guard Weapons Communications, Electronics and Information System and deployable response group were sent off to augment personnel in Southern Luzon, Bicol and Visayas region.

“All PCG districts nationwide have also corresponding teams, Special Operations Forces, Harbor Patrols and Ship Inspectors stationed in ports. I have directed all of them to exercise extra vigilance in inspecting passengers and luggages to ascertain travel safety and security with medical teams ready to provide assistance in emergency cases. Further, beaches are also monitored by coastal security patrol teams and rescue personnel to augment lifeguards," Vice Adm Garcia further said.

This is part of the directives of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P Tugade in order to provide comfortable and safe transport to all seagoing public through mobility of sea transport and connectivity of all its attached agencies.

All major seaports nationwide have been stationed with DOTr Malasakit Help Desk manned by PCG personnel together with the Maritime Industry Authority, Office of the Transport Security, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board with Philippine Ports Authority as the agency for maritime sector and Cebu Port Authority as lead agency for Cebu Ports sector where assistance and complaints of the riding public can be addressed immediately.

The Philippine Coast Guard has been continuing to perform its mandates in coordination with other government agencies including Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and all others.