The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitored more than 130,000 passengers in seaports across the country on Christmas Eve as Filipinos try to catch last-minute trips to their provinces for the Noche Buena.
A total of 69,523 outbound passengers and 61,063 inbound passengers were monitored in various ports from 6 a.m. to 12 noon on Sunday, Dec. 24, according to data released by the PCG Command Center.
The PCG deployed 2,729 frontline personnel in all of its 15 coast guard districts nationwide to ensure the safety of the traveling public.
The on-duty PCG personnel inspected 606 vessels and 846 motorbancas during the same period.
PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan reminded coast guard personnel to implement strict vessel safety and pre-departure inspection in ports to make sure that the operation of the maritime vessels will be safe and secure.
The PCG placed its districts, stations, and sub-stations on a heightened alert from Dec. 15, 2023 to Jan. 3, 2024 to manage the influx of port passengers during the holiday season.
"Our safety and security measures are in place in all ports. Our sea marshalls onboard the vessels and K9 units in port facilities are in place to secure our passengers. We implement several layers of security in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority and the Philippine National Police," PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo said.
"All of these are part of efforts to ensure that our kababayan will be able to reach their destinations safely. To the public, we appeal for their cooperation. Follow the ship regulation of ship authorities and shipping companies. Do not bring prohibited items that may hamper their trips including dangerous weapons, explosives, and other items that could cause harm to others," he added.