By Cindy Ferrer/PNA
ILOILO CITY — The “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe Christmas 2018” of the Philippine Coast Guard in Western Visayas (PCG-6) has been activated and the agency is now on heightened alert to ensure the safety of passengers, said PCG-6 spokesperson Lt. Commander Ramil Palabrica on Wednesday.
The “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe Christmas 2018” will run until January 5 next year.
Palabrica said that Passengers Assistance Desks (PADs) are now in place in all ports here to help passengers, as well as take care of their complaints and concerns.
PADs are jointly manned by teams from PCG, Philippine National Police, Department of Transportation and Communications, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.
There are also floating assets like rubber boats and aluminum boats on standby to respond to any untoward incident.
Palabrica added that they are expecting the influx of passengers to the ports starting next week as the Christmas rush will be at its peak.
“Since the start of the month of December, many people are traveling but we really expect more passengers when the Christmas break starts next week for students and incoming holidays for workers,” he said.
Similar to what they always do during special occasions, Palabrica said that they will be strictly implementing pre-departure inspection of baggages to see to it that passengers do not carry harmful objects such as deadly weapons and firearms, as well as illegal drugs.
Several K9 dogs were also deployed to help in the inspection, especially to detect explosives and illegal drugs.
PCG-6 here has a new commander, Captain Angel Lobaton, who formally assumed the post last December 10.
Lobaton succeeded Captain Allan Victor dela Vega, acting commander of PCG-6, who will now serve as deputy commander.
Palabrica said their district commander has already ordered all station commanders of PCG in the different parts of the region to properly implement security preparations this Yuletide season.
Meanwhile, he advised the public to book their tickets early to avoid long lines.
He also advised them to cooperate in their precautionary measures like wearing of life jackets to ensure their safety.
