As the Christmas rush intensifies, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) further fortified its security measures in transportation hubs by deploying hundreds of K9 teams nationwide.
Commo. Armando Balilo, PCG spokesperson, said 109 K9 teams composed of 345 explosive detection dogs and 193 narcotics detection dogs were stationed in ports and terminals as of Tuesday, Dec. 20.
“Each K9 team is composed of around four to five members to ensure the safety and security of the traveling public this Yuletide season,” Balilo said.
From 12 midnight to 6 a.m. Tuesday, the PCG said it has monitored 24,625 outbound passengers and 21,980 inbound passengers in all ports nationwide.
It also deployed 1,882 frontline personnel in 15 Coast Guard districts. A total of 226 vessels and 260 motorbancas were inspected during their six-hour monitoring period.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has activated the “Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Pasko 2022” which seeks to keep travelers safe and secure.
Part of the operational plan is the mobilization of PCG K9 teams that will conduct inspection in trucks and other vehicles boarding sea vessels.
“Through the help of the explosive detection dogs and narcotic detection dogs, the PCG sees to it that prohibited items will not be brought in the vessels such as flammable materials, bladed items, liquor, and deadly weapons,” Balilo explained.
The PCG spokesperson reiterated his appeal to the public to refrain from bringing banned items when going on a trip to avoid inconvenience.