The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on a heightened alert status next week in preparation for this year’s observance of Holy Week.
PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said coast guard districts, stations, and sub-stations nationwide will be placed on heightened alert from April 13 to 20.
Gavan said this is to efficiently manage the influx of port passengers who will return to their home provinces to commemorate the religious event with their families and loved ones.
“This influx presents challenges, such as overcrowding, vessel overloading, and heightened risks of maritime-related crimes,” he said.
“On the other hand, maritime crimes, such as robbery incidents, are still a prevalent threat considering the influx of passengers across ports, which have been reported in major ports such as Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga during the recent years’ Holy Week. Thus, necessitating heightened security in busy ports and anchorages,” the PCG chief added.
Around 1.65 million port passengers were monitored by the PCG Command Center during the Semana Santa last year, registering a 10-percent increase from 1.50 million commuters at ports and waterways across the country in 2023.
Gavan said the PCG shall implement all necessary security operations towards a generally safe and peaceful conduct of “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025”.
On the orders of President Marcos Jr., Gavan said the PCG will work with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Maritime Sector as well as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and local government units (LGUs) to ensure zero maritime casualty during the annual Lenten season.
He said PCG personnel will perform 24/7 monitoring of nautical highways on western and eastern seaboards, including inter-island routes, while PCG K9 units and security teams will implement thorough port terminal and vessel inspections.
Coast Guard rescuers will also assist lifeguards in maritime tourist destinations while PCG responders will ensure active presence through regular coastal patrols within their respective maritime jurisdictions, Gavan noted.
“PCG seaborne patrol units also prepare for possible search and rescue (SAR) missions,” he remarked.