PCG: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will place all its units under heightened alert through launching the “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Krismas 2017” program that will kick off from December 18 until January 8 next year as the agency prepares for the expected huge volume of local and foreign shipping passengers this Yuletide Season.

PCG Officer-in-Charge Commodore Joel S Garcia has issued a directive to all Coast Guard units to maintain a high state of readiness and alertness in all port terminals nationwide, beaches, coastal and island resorts. Likewise, all units are reminded to be ready to respond to maritime emergencies.

Based on the marching orders issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P Tugade, PCG has to intensify the inspections on all passengers and their baggage, and to ensure maximum monitoring and security in all critical ports nationwide to attain convenience, orderliness, safety and security of the public who patronize the sea travel.

All passengers are reminded to be at the seaport at least three hours before departure time, parents/elders must keep an eye to their children and valuable items, avoid carrying restricted cargoes such as flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gases, radioactive materials and explosives to avoid search delays and inconveniences.

Commodore Garcia in support of anti-drug campaign of the President has directed its men to keep a keen eye on the trade and transport of illegal drugs and paraphernalia by sea and increasing its vigilance for any extremist attacks.

Passenger Assistance Center (PAC) booths will be installed and manned jointly by teams from the PCG, DOTr, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and Local Government Units in close coordination with the Philippine National Police.