As the National Capital Region (NCR) and 38 other areas prepare to de-escalate to Alert 1 in its coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions on March 1, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Officer-In-Charge, CG Vice Admiral Eduardo D. Fabricante has ordered all of his units to prepare for an increased maritime-related activities nationwide.

Fabricante stressed the importance of ensuring the safety of travelers who will use the different ports to travel to different places as he cautioned that the threat of the virus remains although restrictions are now at the lowest level.

“Our floating assets and equipment must be at the highest level of preparedness to respond properly to possible emergencies at sea,” said Fabricante on Monday, Feb. 28. “I have instructed concerned District Commanders to augment personnel and operational requirements of PCG stations in major seaports and tourist destinations."

He added: “This is to establish and maintain systematized operations of sea transport facilities; promote safe and convenient travel; and uphold the health, safety, and security of tourists and the general public.”

Among the tourist spots identified by the PCG as possible destinations include Boracay, Palawan, Cebu, and Bohol, as well as other provinces with popular island resorts and coastal vacation spots.

The PCG official said that additional K9 units will be dispatched as well as medical teams, and deployable response groups on major seaports to increase PCG visibility, manage port passengers, and oversee maritime traffic as the passenger capacity for the maritime transport operating in and out of Alert Levels 1 areas will now be at 100 percent.

The IATF issued the amended guidelines for Alert Level 1 areas last Feb. 27.

Harbor patrollers and vessel inspectors will also be deployed to aid in the enforcement of maritime security and maritime safety measures in coordination with local government units and other concerned agencies.

Fabricante said that PCG ground commanders shall require the availability of a sufficient number of lifeguards, rescue equipment, and first aid facilities, specifically in top tourist destinations day and night, and provide necessary assistance to port passengers and ensure their compliance with the minimum public health standards.

“Rest assured, your PCG will enforce regulations for the promotion of safety of life and property at sea, for our general public’s safety and security at ports and harbors, as well as at our coastal recreational facilities,” said Fabricante.