MANILA, 25 March (PIA) – A few days before the Holy Week, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on heightened security alert status starting Friday, March 27 until April 6, 2015.
PCG Commandant Vice Admiral Rodolfo D. Isorena directed all coast guard units to strictly implement maximum security in all ports and ferry terminals, and also to maintain regular monitoring on the safety of the public.
Isorena gave emphasis on the preparedness and readiness of all PCG personnel and its assets to immediately address maritime emergencies.
The PCG chief also directed ship inspectors and K-9 units to exercise extra vigilance in ports and to conduct random checks on passengers and their luggage to ensure that no dangerous cargoes or explosive materials will be carried onboard passenger and cargo vessels.
Further, mandatory pre-departure inspections will be intensified to prevent ships from carrying passengers more than its capacity and to ensure that the vessels are seaworthy prior the departure, and must have adequate number of life-saving equipment onboard. Ships must also present all valid pertinent documents prior to granting of clearance to depart.
Passenger Assistance Center (PAC) booths will also be put up in all ports to be manned by the PCG together with personnel from the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), and in close coordination with the Philippine national Police (PNP). Coast Guard medical teams will be on standby at the said booths to provide medical assistance.
Meanwhile, the coast guard advises passengers to be at the seaport at least three hours before departure time and to avoid carrying prohibited cargoes such as flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gases, radioactive materials and explosives.
Passengers with firearms are also advised to present complete documents to avoid search delays and inconvenience. (PCG/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)
See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/241427165360/coast-guard-on-heightened-alert-status-starting-march-27#sthash.xt1PZ0zl.dpuf
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