PORT AREA, MANILA - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is on heightened alert as it beefs up safety and security measures for Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2019 starting today, 16 December 2019 until 05 January 2020, in compliance to the directive of Transportation Secretary Arthur P Tugade of providing safe and comfortable transportation services to the riding public.

"All PCG units are directed to be on heightened alert and intensify safety and security measures on national ports and ferry terminals this Christmas season to ensure the orderly operations of all sea transport facilities; the safe and covenient travel of the riding public; and the security at beaches and local resorts," PCG Commandant Admiral Joel S Garcia said.

Available assets of PCG are strategically deployed in major ports nationwide such as: one (1) 55-meter multi-mission offshore vessels, nine (9) 44-meter multi role response vessels, six (6) 30-meter monitoring control surveillance vessels, two (2) 35-meter search and rescue vessels, and three (3) 24-meter fast patrol boats.

Small crafts including two (2) 12-meter high speed boats, ten (10) seven-meter rigid hull inflatable boats, and several aluminum and rubber boats are also deployed to make sure that critical ports, especially in the western and eastern seaboard of the country, are highly monitored against any untoward maritime security incident.

Moreover, Special Operations Forces, Harbor Patrols, and Ship Inspectors are stationed on major ports 24/7.

Finally, PCG personnel are also actively manning Malasakit Help Desks at major seaports across the country, while in coordination with national security agencies including the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure zero maritime incident or casualty this Christmas season.