THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday urged port passengers to travel light and be safe during the Holy Week respite, adding it expects the surge of passengers to peak this Wednesday.
In a radio interview, PCG spokesman Commodore Algier Ricafrente said the Coast Guard has already monitored a “slight” increase in the number of passengers at the ports but did not give figures.
“There is already a slight increase but this is not yet the peak,” said Ricafrente, noting that people are still going to work today, Monday, and Tuesday.
“We’re looking at Wednesday as the peak, when our kababayans will travel (via ports),” said Ricafrente, adding: “Our primary concern is the safety and security of port passengers.”
The PCG went on heightened alert status yesterday, up to Sunday next week, to ensure the safe and peaceful observance of the Holy Week. Some 17,000 PCG personnel will be deployed throughout the country.
“We’ve started intensifying our efforts to ensure the safety and security of our port passengers as early as last week,” said Ricafrente.
To avoid delays in their voyage, Ricafrente urged port passengers to avoid bringing “bulky” baggage and book their tickets online to prevent long lines at the ports.
“We’re advising them to plan their travel thoroughly. If they have the opportunity for online booking, they should do it to avoid long lines,” said Ricafrente. “As to their baggage, we hope they will not carry bulky items to avoid delays in their boarding.”
He also reminded port passengers not to bring sharp objects, saying these are not allowed in passenger vessels.
Ricafrente said PCG personnel and K9 units will be deployed for a thorough inspection to ensure illegal drugs and firearms are not brought in.
“There will be an inspection (of the vessels),” Ricafrente said, adding that measures are in place to prevent overloading.
In a statement, the PCG said it monitored 59,912 outbound passengers and 54,453 inbound passengers in all ports nationwide from 6 a.m. to noon yesterday.
“Moreover, 4,042 deployed frontline personnel in 16 PCG Districts have inspected 3,396 vessels and 958 motor bancas,” the PCG said.
DOH ADVISORY
The Department of Health urged the public to observe Holy Week in a safe and healthy manner and activated its Code White Alert starting yesterday.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa issued the appeal with thousands of Filipinos expected to troop to their respective provinces for the Lenten break.
“As Filipinos prepare for travel, religious activities, and family gatherings, it is important that they prioritize health and safety to ensure a peaceful and meaningful week for all,” Herbosa said.
“In line with this commitment, the DOH Central Office has officially activated a Code White Alert starting today, April 13, 2025, and will remain in effect until April 20, 2025,” he added.
Herbosa said the measure aims to ensure the readiness of health facilities and personnel to respond to any potential health emergencies during the time of increased public activity.
He added that all medical personnel, especially those in emergency rooms and critical care units, are prepared for a potential increase in patient volume due to accidents, injuries, or other health-related incidents that may arise.
Herbosa said the DOH’s central monitoring and coordination center will also ensure a seamless and efficient response to health emergencies across different regions of the country.
“The DOH will be closely monitoring health events and coordinating with regional and local health offices to ensure a synchronized and efficient response to any emergencies,” the DOH chief added.
He also urged the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and healthy Holy Week.
“Maging alerto po tayo sa mga kalsada ngayong karamihan ay magbibiyahe. At dahil din po sa matinding init, mag-iingat din po tayo sa epekto nito sa katawan (We should always be on alert while on the road. And due to the hot temperature, we all should take precaution due to its effect on our body),” Herbosa said.
He also reminded the public to avoid going outside when the heat is at its peak.
“Maiiwasan ang heat stroke kung hindi masyadong magbababad sa init at kung laging umiinom ng tubig. Mabilis din pong mapanis ang mga pagkain sa mainit na panahon kaya gawin din po natin ang maayos at maingat na paghahanda at pag-iimbak ng mga pagkain (We can avoid heat stroke if we stay inside and always drink water. Food can easily spoil due to the heat),” he added.
He also reminded the public to observe public health standards while observing the Lenten break.
“We encourage everyone to observe the Holy Week responsibly. You can go to DOH hospitals that are continuously monitoring and providing health care services to those who need it,” he added.
NTC PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has activated its annual nationwide public assistance operation to ensure the safety of Filipinos traveling to various parts of the country.
In a memorandum issued recently, regional directors were instructed to determine if there’s a need to issue necessary temporary permits and licenses, to lend assistance, and ensure the safety of travelers.
Regional directors were told to coordinate with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (NDRRMCs), Civic Action Groups (CAGs), and Amateur Radio Groups (ARGs) to conduct public assistance operations within their respective areas of jurisdiction and provide support to Local Government Units (LGUs) as well as the national NDRRMC.
The assistance of radio, television, and cable TV stations/operators has also been enlisted for the proper and timely dissemination of related information.
The preparatory reports to be submitted to the Office of the Commissioner contain the list of participating CAGs and ARGs, the areas and routes covered, operating frequencies and contact details of point persons for the duration of the operations.
Regional offices were also directed to monitor the operations of the CAGs and ARGs in their areas of jurisdiction and submit ongoing and post-operation reports to the Office of the Commissioner. – With Ashzel Hachero and Myla Iglesias
