The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) placed all its operating units on a heightened alert on Saturday, March 28, as it rolled out “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2026,” deploying 17,000 personnel to secure ports and coastal areas nationwide.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the deployment includes specialized response teams to assist the expected surge of travelers.

“We have already deployed 17,000 PCG personnel nationwide, including our deployable response groups. These are composed of our rescue swimmers, medics, and nurses who will assist our travelers. Starting today, all operating units of the PCG are on heightened alert status to support our passengers.” Cayabyab said.

The annual Holy Week exodus is among the busiest travel periods in the country as millions of Filipinos head to the provinces or tourist destinations during the break. This year, Palm Sunday will be on March 29 while Easter Sunday falls on April 5.

Cayabyab said stricter inspections are now in place upon orders of PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.

“The directive of our Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, is to intensify the conduct of pre-departure inspections, ensuring that all vessels are seaworthy before leaving the port, and that we will not allow any vessel to carry passengers beyond its capacity,” she said.

The PCG’s K9 units and sea marshals have also been deployed to tighten security in major ports and onboard vessels.

“We will also deploy Coast Guard K9 dogs, particularly in major ports, to conduct baggage inspections to prevent the boarding of flammable and explosive items. We will also deploy sea marshals onboard our passenger vessels, especially for longer voyages,” she noted.

In anticipation of large crowds in beach destinations, lifeguards and patrol teams have also been stationed in coastal areas.

“This is to maintain a visible Coast Guard presence and ensure safety, as well as provide response when necessary,” she said.

Data from the PCG showed that as from 6 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, a total of 50,553 outbound passengers and 44,175  inbound passengers were recorded in all ports nationwide.

The Coast Guard District Southern Tagalog logged the highest traffic with 5,183 outbound and 5,344 inbound passengers.

Last year, the PCG recorded around three million passengers during the Holy Week period, and Cayabyab said similar or higher numbers are expected this year due to the longer holiday break.

“We are anticipating the same number, or possibly higher, since the holiday break will be relatively long,” Cayabyab said.

She urged travelers to cooperate with authorities and follow safety rules, stressing that maritime safety is a shared responsibility.

The PCG also warned against bringing prohibited items such as flammable and explosive items, bladed weapons, and illegal drugs, and reminded passengers to plan their trips ahead.

“We would like to remind our fellow citizens to buy their tickets early and to go to the ports ahead of time,” she added.

The PCG also cautioned the public against unsafe practices during vacations, especially in beach areas.

“Let us also avoid engaging in any water activity if we have consumed alcohol, and always keep an eye on children when going to the sea or swimming,” Cayabyab said.