By PNA
ILOILO CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Iloilo will ensure the safety and security of the 20 motorized bancas that will take part in the Bangcarera here Sunday.
Lt. Commander Rodolfo dela Peña, PCG-Iloilo commander, said in a phone interview that 40 personnel have been deployed to the Jordan wharf to secure the opening of the 47th Iloilo and Guimaras Para Regatta on Saturday.
The Coast Guard also provided crowd control in Miss Paraw Regatta Talents Night.
He said floating assets will be assigned to ensure the safety of the route of Bangcarera, which is part of the festival activities.
Sea marshals on board three PCG patrol crafts and four aluminum boats will be deployed to clear the route, because motorized bancas plying the Iloilo-Guimaras route will continue their regular operation, dela Peña said.
“We will clear the Bangcarera route to see to it that the race will go without delay,” he said.
According to the PCG commander, 20 motorized bancas will join this year’s Bangcarera. The participants had customized their motorized bancas and prepared for the competition.
He warned that they will apprehend those who will hamper the race.
Bangcarera is a combination of two words “bangca”, which means boat, and “karera” meaning race.
He also asked the public to do their share in ensuring a safe and peaceful festival.
“The PCG asks the spectators to cooperate with the authorities and to behave appropriately during the programs and the Bangcarera,” dela Peña said.
He added that the PCG will also prevent contraband items during the festival.
They will have the paneling of K9 units at the Jordan wharf to guarantee that the festival would be free from illegal drugs and explosives.
