ILOILO CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 6 (Western Visayas) activated on Friday afternoon its “Oplan Undas Ligtas Biyahe” to ensure peace and order in all ports and ferry terminals in the region for the upcoming observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
In an interview on Saturday, Lt. Commander Ramil Palabrica, PCG-6 spokesperson, said they are already on “full alert” to secure passengers.
Palabrica said Passengers Assistance Desks (PADs) are already in place in all ports to accommodate complaints and concerns. The busy ports of Dumangas, Caticlan, Guimaras and Lapuz, including the Iloilo Ferry Terminal, are all being strictly monitored.
These desks are being jointly manned by teams from PCG, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Transportation, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.
“We are reminding the public to book early to avoid long lines during their travel,” he said. The influx of passengers in ports is expected starting Monday.
He said a pre-departure inspection of baggage will be strictly implemented to see to it that passengers are not carrying deadly weapons and firearms, as well as illegal drugs.
He also appealed to the public not to cause panic by making a “bomb joke” or “bomb scare”. K9 dogs, he said, have been deployed to ports to help in the inspection, especially to detect explosives and illegal drugs.
Meanwhile, Palabrica said they have several aluminum and rescue boats on stand-by in case of any untoward incident.
He said that boats are also being inspected to ensure they comply with safety requirements, such as the provision of life jackets to all passengers, and if their engines are functioning well. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)
