The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will implement a “No Leave Policy” for its personnel beginning Dec. 15, 2022 to Jan. 7, 2023 as part of their Christmas holiday duty.
Adm. Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, said the policy will ensure the 100-percent presence of Coast Guard personnel during the Yuletide season to ensure that passengers will be safe and comfortable at seaports nationwide.
“Alam niyo naman ang Coast Guard, kung saan kailangan ang ating serbisyo, nandoon tayo. Ang sakripisyong ito ay pagtupad sa aming sinumpaang tungkulin sa bayan na uunahin ang pangangailangan ng kapwa Pilipino kaysa sariling interes (You know for us in the Coast Guard, we are wherever our service is needed. This sacrifice is a fulfillment of our sworn duty to the nation that we will put the needs of our fellow Filipinos first over our personal interests),” Abu said.
The 25,000-strong PCG will be on a heightened alert status during the same period and deployment will be made in in key transportation hubs such as ports and passenger terminals among others to ensure the smooth travel of the passengers.
“Inaasahan natin na dadagsa ang mga pasahero para magbakasyon kasama ang kanilang mga pamilya kaya kinakailangan na mas paigtingin natin ang pagsisiguro sa kanilang seguridad at kailgtasan (We expected that there will be an influx of passengers who will take a vacation with their families so we need to intensify the security and secure their safety),” Abu noted.
In adherence to a directive from Department of Transportation (DOTr) Sec. Jaime Bautista, Abu said the PCG will also deploy security personnel, K9 teams, medical officers, and PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) volunteers in airports, train stations, and roads to assist passengers in public transportation.
Abu reminded the public to plan their trips to avoid inconvenience and exercise vigilance against criminals and lawless elements.