All Coast Guard units expected to be directly affected by Typhoon Rolly were placed on heightened alert Thursday afternoon (Oct. 29) to prevent maritime incidents during the onslaught of the typhoon.
Admiral George Ursabia, Jr. Coast Guard commandant, has particularly directed Coast Guard District–Bicol, Coast Guard District–Eastern Visayas, Coast Guard District–Southern Tagalog, and Coast Guard District–Northern Luzon to muster their respective deployable response groups (DRGs) to ensure personnel and assets are ready to assist local government units (LGUs) in evacuating or rescuing residents who may be affected by the latest weather disturbance.
Expert divers, rescue swimmers, paramedics, and K-9 units have been put on a high state of readiness, while Coast Guard sub-station personnel have been ordered to coordinate with local fishing communities to advise fishermen not to risk their lives and follow the safety guidelines during inclement weather.
“Notice to Mariners have been issued to remind vessels that may be affected by the latest weather disturbance to find safer areas to shelter, thereby preventing the recurrence of what happened in Mabini and Bauan, Batangas during the onslaught of Typhoon Quinta where at least 10 maritime incidents were monitored and responded by the PCG,” Ursabia said.
For areas that will not be affected by typhoon Rolly, relevant personnel have been directed to strictly implement vessel safety protocols to manage the expected influx of passengers, especially of short distance and inter-island travel, as Filipinos will go home in time for the Undas over the weekend.
“We have also released an advisory to those who will travel and take the Matnog, Bicol–Allen, Samar, and Batangas–Mindoro routes to regularly check the weather forecast as the PCG will strictly implement the ‘No Sail Policy’ during inclement weather,” Ursabia said.
“We do not want them to be stranded and converge in port areas and waterways, compromising the prescribed health and safety protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic,” the commandant added.