In connection with the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day, PCG Commandant Rear Admiral William M Melad has issued a directive to all Coast Guard units to strictly implement safety and security measures in all ports and ship passenger terminals within their respective areas of responsibility.

“We will make sure that you Coast Guard is working in compliance with the DOTr Oplan Ligtas Undas 2016.  We have received an instruction from DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade to intensify the inspections to the 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”, Melad said.

Coast Guard units were also advised to place all its personnel and assets on alert status and standby for any possible dispatch in response to various maritime distress and emergencies.

Ship inspectors and Coast Guard K9 teams were also directed to exercise extra vigilance in ports by conducting random checks on passengers and luggage more than the usual.

All passengers are reminded to be at the seaport at least three hours before departure time, 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.

“We strongly support the anti-drug campaign of the President that is why we also directed our men to keep a keen eye on the trade and transport of illegal drugs and paraphernalia by sea’, the Coast Guard Commandant added.

Passenger Assistance Center (PAC) booths will be installed and manned jointly by teams from PCG, Department of transportation (DOTr), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) in close coordination with Philippine National Police (PNP).