PCG: Despite pulling out of personnel in Luzon to be assigned in Mindanao Districts in addressing the immediate needs of people affected by the Marawi siege, PCG reassured the public that all Coast Guard units nationwide are initiating proactive measures to prevent/minimize loss of lives attributed to maritime incidents that may be caused by the rainy season and expected threats of typhoons that may likely to hit the country.

Since rainy season in the Philippines is from June to November, the public is advised to be on lookout for weather updates especially if they are planning to have travels by land, water or air.  “Being aware of weather cycles can help you beat the odds,” advises John Michael Lequiron, a meteorologist at Weather Philippines Foundation.  

Meanwhile, all concerned individual or private/public agencies must be fully aware that “no vessel of any type or tonnage shall be allowed to sail except to take shelter, as the situation may warrant, when Public Strom Warning Signal (PSWS) Number 1 or higher is hoisted within its point of origin, the intended route, and point of destination,” as per Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard Memorandum Circular 02-13 Guidelines on Movement of Vessels During Heavy Weather.  

Moreover, the Philippine Coast Guard Officer-in-Charge, COMMO JOEL S GARCIA PH.D., H.D., Al Haj, directed all rescue units like disaster response and quick reaction teams composed of divers, paramedics, rescue swimmers and K-9 units to be on high level of readiness so it can immediately respond to maritime and land based disasters caused by weather disturbances and typhoons.  He also underscored the importance of vigilance in undertaking maritime safety related measures such as intensification of ship’s inspection, cautious conduct of pre-departure inspection paying particular attention to the number of passengers on board, and promotion of public awareness campaign to highlight safety during inclement weather especially to the fishing community.

The directive also tasked Coast Guard units nationwide to coordinate and to encourage operational cooperation with other government agencies like the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Red Cross.