Coast Guard bares early preparation for Holy Week

Posted March 25, 2015

Written by Gloria Villas

Few weeks before Holy Week, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) bared security measures in all ports and ferry terminals.

According to PCG Master at Arms Chief Petty Officer Arnel Sulla, they have been directed that all coast guard units will prepare for the expected influx of passengers this summer and during Holy Week.

Sulla said: “all coast guard units are mandated to be on heightened alert during the observance of Holy Week.”

Therefore, officials are advised all personnel to ensure that all maritime activities are monitored and that all coast guard personnel and assets are ready and prepared to immediately respond to any maritime incident.

In addition, coast guard K-9 teams will also exercise extra vigilance in ports with random checks on passengers and luggage.

PCG was also ordered to intensify the mandatory pre-departure inspection to prevent overloading of passenger vessels and to ensure that vessels are seaworthy prior to departure particularly that shipping vessels must have adequate number of life-saving equipment. 

Meanwhile, Sulla also appealed for the cooperation of passengers for their safety travel.