THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on heightened alert starting this Sunday until next Sunday to ensure the safety of passengers traveling to the provinces during Holy week.
PCG commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan ordered all Coast Guard units to ensure the necessary preparations are in place under their Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025.
Some 17,000 PCG personnel will work with other agencies to ensure a generally safe and peaceful Holy Week and ensure there are zero maritime casualties.
Galvan is placing PCG districts, stations and substations on heightened alert from April 13 to 20 “to efficiently manage the influx of port passengers who will return to their home provinces to commemorate the religious event with their families and loved ones.”
The PCG, citing information from its Command Center, said it monitored some 1.65 million port passengers in last year’s Holy Week, 10 percent higher than the previous year.
“This influx presents challenges, such as overcrowding, vessel overloading, and heightened risks of maritime-related crimes,” said Gavan.
“On the other hand, maritime crimes, such as robbery incidents, are still a prevalent threat considering the influx of passengers across ports, which have been reported in major ports such as Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga during the recent years’ Holy Week,” added Gavan.
Coast Guard personnel will monitor nautical highways on western and eastern seaboards, including inter-island routes 24/7, the PCG said in a statement.
“PCG K9 units and security teams shall also implement thorough port terminal and vessel inspections,” the PCG added.
PCG rescuers will also assist lifeguards in maritime tourist destinations and PCG responders “shall ensure active presence through regular coastal patrols within their respective maritime jurisdictions.
“PCG seaborne patrol units will also prepare for possible search and rescue (SAR) missions,” the PCG added.
