Despite pulling out of personnel in Luzon to be assigned in Mindanao Districts in addressing the immediate needs of people affected by the Marawi siege, PCG reassured the public that all Coast Guard units nationwide are initiating proactive measures to prevent/minimize loss of lives attributed to maritime incidents that may be caused by the rainy season and expected threats of typhoons that may likely to hit the country.
Since rainy season in the Philippines is from June to November, the public is advised to be on lookout for weather updates especially if they are planning to have travels by land, water or air. “Being aware of weather cycles can help you beat the odds,” advises John Michael Lequiron, a meteorologist at Weather Philippines Foundation.
Meanwhile, all concerned individual or private/public agencies must be fully aware that “no vessel of any type or tonnage shall be allowed to sail except to take shelter, as the situation may warrant, when Public Strom Warning Signal (PSWS) Number 1 or higher is hoisted within its point of origin, the intended route, and point of destination,” as per Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard Memorandum Circular 02-13 Guidelines on Movement of Vessels During Heavy Weather. ###coastguardph
