The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be placed on a heightened alert beginning Monday, July 24, to help ensure safety and security for the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the possible effects of Tropical Storm “Egay”.
PCG Commandant Adm. Artemio Abu said hundreds of coast guardians from its districts, stations, and sub-stations in the National Capital Region (NCR)-Central Luzon, Northeastern Luzon, Northwestern Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and Bicol will be fielded on the ground to maintain peace and order in anticipation of a three-day transport strike that will be staged by protesters, and to secure vital waterways and key roads in Metro Manila.
The PCG personnel will augment the 22,000-strong deployment from the PNP which will be the primary security force for the SONA.
“In coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, the PCG will deploy security personnel, K9 units, and medical teams in various critical areas in NCR for the SONA 2023,” Abu said on Sunday, July 23.
Marcos will deliver his second SONA at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City. More than 2,000 guests are expected to attend the event.
Egay
Abu said the heightened alert will also cover the PCG’s preparation for the possible threats brought by TS Egay.
“Our deployable response groups (DRGs) were also alerted in the provinces that will be affected by TS Egay for the immediate conduct of evacuation or rescue operation,” The PCG chief noted.
The PCG has also coordinated with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to ensure the safety of passengers and sea vessels that are scheduled to sail on Monday and in the coming days.
Family food packs and hygiene kits were also being packed by PCG Auxiliary personnel which will be distributed to individuals who will be affected by the bad weather.
“The PCG districts, stations, and sub-stations in the affected regions will remain on a heightened alert until the weather improves,” Abu said.