The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced Friday, April 8, that all the necessary security measures were put in place to ensure the safe travel of motorists and commuters during the Lenten season and the summer break.
A total of 53,989 police officers were deployed on the ground nationwide to maintain peace and order, enforce the law, and ensure the implementation of minimum public health standard protocols as the PNP anticipates an exodus of travelers who are going to their home provinces, said Col. Jean Fajardo, PNP spokesperson.
“We have not monitored any security threat related to the Lenten season but we cannot be overconfident. We are conducting continuous intelligence gathering and monitoring,” Fajardo said.
All PNP units were placed on a heightened alert for the Lenten season and as part of the “Ligtas Sumvac (Summer Vacation)” 2022 operations, Fajardo noted. This means that all the leaves of the police personnel are cancelled except for those that are emergency in nature, and police presence is expected in their offices and stations 24/7 to attend to any eventualities.
She also advised the public to ensure that their houses are secured before they go on summer vacation or Lenten break.
Meanwhile, PCG units nationwide were also placed on a heightened alert to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of sea passengers who will travel to their home provinces and the tourists who will visit recreational destinations starting this weekend.
Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG Commandant, reiterated his directive to all Coast Guard personnel to intensify vessel inspection and make sure the seaworthiness of all passenger vessels, including the availability of lifejackets and other lifesaving equipment on board, as well as proper documents before issuance of clearance to depart.
“I instructed District Commanders to be present on the ground and oversee the implementation of maximum security measures. They are also responsible for supervising the conduct of regular port monitoring and coastal security patrol in major tourist destinations,” Abu said.
On Friday, the PCG deployed additional security personnel and medical officers to man “Malasakit” help desks in major port terminals where sea passengers may ask their queries regarding their sea travel or seek medical assistance.
“I am also appealing to the general public to be patient during the pre-departure inspection. Please make sure that you have all documentary requirements requested by the local government unit (LGU) of your destination to avoid delays as there are LGUs requiring antigen test and S-PASS registration upon arrival. Let us also comply with the minimum health protocols for everyone’s protection amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” Abu said.
The general public is advised to be at the port terminal at least three hours before their departure schedule to give ample time for safety and security protocols, as well as pre-departure inspection onboard the vessel.
Meanwhile, Coast Guard Districts have dispatched additional lifeguards to help resort owners and the LGU to avoid casualties during the Lenten season and summer break since drowning incidents usually increase during these periods.
Foot patrol teams were also tasked to be visible in populated tourist destinations and water sports locations to immediately respond to any untoward incidents.