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BY ADRIAN STEWART CO
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Thursday, April 6, 2017
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Passengers bound for Boracay Island enter the Caticlan jetty port terminal in Malay, Aklan. BORACAY SUN
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MANILA – In preparation for the Lenten season next week, the Philippine Coast Guard on Wednesday heightened the security at Western Visayas’ national ports and ferry terminals.
Commodore Joel Garcia, Coast Guard officer-in-charge, directed all units to strictly implement maximum security measures and maintain regular monitoring of passengers.
“In view of the upcoming celebration of the Holy Week wherein heavy influx of ship passengers [is] expected to occur in various ports nationwide, all [Coast Guard] units all over the country will be on ‘alert status’ from April 5 to April 20, 2017,” Garcia said.
“We ensure the preparedness and readiness of all the Coast Guard’s personnel assets at all times in case of maritime emergencies or situations,” he said. “It is part of our duty to ensure the safe and convenient sea travels of everyone.”
Ship inspectors and Coast Guard K9 teams were instructed to exercise extra vigilance and conduct random checks on passengers and their luggage to ensure that no dangerous cargoes or explosive materials will be carried on board.
Predeparture inspections were intensified to prevent overloaded ships, and ensure that vessels are seaworthy prior to departure and have an adequate number of lifesaving equipment on board, Garcia said.
Passengers Assistance Center booths were also put up in every port nationwide.
They will be manned by personnel from the Coast Guard, Department of Transportation, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, and Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, in close coordination with the Philippine National Police.
Coast Guard medical teams will be on standby at the said booths.
Travellers must be at the ports at least three hours before their departure schedule, the Coast Guard advised the public.
Avoid carrying prohibited cargoes such as flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gases, radioactive materials, and explosives, the agency said.
Passengers must present complete documents if carrying firearms to avoid search delays and inconvenience, it added.
“We also urge the passengers on boats with open deck to cooperate fully in the regulation on the wearing of lifejacket during the voyage,” Garcia said./PN
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