The 30,500-strong Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is prepared to implement security measures in ports and at sea nationwide to ensure the safety of the traveling public during the Holy Week or "Semana Santa".

PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said the organization will go on a heightened alert from March 23 to April 3 to intensify seaborne patrols and safety measures in all ports and waterways.

"All our stations and sub-stations nationwide are prepared to provide pre-departure inspections in ports. We will check if the ships are ready to sail and all the passengers are listed in the manifesto. We have K9 units to inspect if there are prohibited items brought at the ports or on board the ships. We have sea marshals ready to assist the passengers," Gavan said in a radio interview over DZBB on Sunday, March 17.

"Our situation is better now when it comes to deployment as we already have 30,500 personnel. The number is better compared in the past years," he added.

An influx of passengers is expected at various ports nationwide as millions travel back to the provinces for the Holy Week break. This year's Holy Week will start on Palm Sunday, March 24, and will end on Easter Sunday, March 31.

Gavan said among the most common problems encountered during this period are overloading and out of condition ships.

"One reason is because some of the passengers would force themselves to go on board even if the vessel is already overloaded since they want to follow their own schedule," the PCG Commandant said.

"There are other ship operators, too, that want to earn more money so they allow overloading of the ships," he bared.

To avoid this, Gavan directed PCG inspectors to strictly check if all the passengers are listed in every manifesto, and send back the ship to the port of there is an overloading. He also ordered his men on the ground to intensify the confiscation of prohibited items such as explosives, bladed weapons, guns, and illegal drugs among others.

Further, Gavan advised the ship captains to check the condition of their vessels before they travel to avoid any accident while sailing.

"The government is here to implement the regulations but the overall safety depends on the capacity, willingness and sense of responsibility of the shipping operations and passengers to follow the rules. There must be a concerted effort among us. Unless the culture is not changed, maritime accidents may happen," Gavan warned.