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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PCG to go on heightened alert for Holy Week

PCG to go on heightened alert for Holy Week

Published Mar 13, 2024 09:28 am
PCG.jpg
Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel stand in attention at Coast Guard Base Farola in Manila on March 11, 2024. (Photo by PCG)

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will go on a heightened alert status as part of maritime security preparations for the upcoming Holy Week.

Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, PCG Commandant, directed coast guard districts, stations, and sub-stations to intensify seaborne patrols and safety measures in all ports and waterways nationwide from March 23 to April 3.

"This is to ensure the smooth operations of sea transport facilities, convenient sea travel, and safety of local and foreign tourists in major beach and private resorts amid the anticipated increased volume of maritime traffic," PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo said on Wednesday, March 13.

Under a heightened alert status, PCG personnel shall conduct 24/7 monitoring of nautical highways in western and eastern seaboards, including inter-island routes. 

Western seaboard includes Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Aklan, Iloilo, and Zamboanga regions. Meanwhile, eastern seaboard covers Manila, Bicol Region, Samar, Leyte, and Surigao provinces.

Coast Guard medical officers shall also be deployed to augment existing medical teams during emergencies at sea. 

PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) volunteers have also been tapped to form deployable response groups (DRGs) that will assist in the upcoming Holy Week operations.

Gavan instructed PCG personnel and PCGA volunteers to "exercise vigilance and extend patience during passenger and luggage checks."

He said Coast Guard K9 units and security teams will also implement thorough port terminal and vessel inspections as the PCG aims to achieve “zero maritime casualty” during the Holy Week.

He ordered the deployment of PCG rescuers who are trained to do first aid and life-saving techniques in different maritime tourist destinations to also assist lifeguards and first responders in the event of an emergency.

Seaborne patrol units of the PCG were also told to prepare for possible search and rescue (SAR) missions.

This year's Holy Week will start on Palm Sunday, March 24, and will end on Eastern Sunday, March 31. 

The Holy Week is the most sacred week in the liturgical year in Christianity as it commemorates Jesus Christ's last days on Earth, including His crucifixion, death and resurrection.

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