ILOILO City – Fearing overcrowding, security threats and maritime emergencies as holiday travelers flock to ports across Western Visayas, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is deploying more than 600 personnel and imposing a six-day heightened alert beginning October 29 to safeguard passengers during the Halloween observance.
The massive security mobilization, covering major passenger terminals, coastal communities and tourist destinations, comes as authorities anticipate a sharp increase in sea travel ahead of All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2), particularly along busy maritime routes connecting Iloilo, Guimaras, Aklan and other parts of the region.
Under Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Undas 2026, Coast Guard units will remain on heightened alert until Nov. 3, with personnel on round-the-clock standby to prevent security incidents, respond to maritime emergencies and ensure orderly passenger movement.
Coast Guard District Western Visayas (CGDWV) spokesperson Lieutenant Junior Grade Aldrin Barnizo said the operation is intended to protect travelers returning to their home provinces and tourists taking advantage of the extended holiday weekend.
“We will be placing our units under heightened alert status from October 29 to November 3 to ensure the safety and security of passengers, especially those traveling to their respective provinces for Undas,” Barnizo said.
Iloilo among security priorities
Of the more than 600 personnel mobilized across Western Visayas, approximately 200 will be deployed in Iloilo alone, where passenger traffic is expected to intensify beginning Friday, October 30.
Security personnel will be stationed at the Port of Iloilo, Parola Wharf, Lapuz Wharf, Dumangas Port and other maritime facilities to monitor passenger movements, conduct inspections and provide emergency assistance.
Authorities will also strengthen security at Caticlan Port in Aklan, a major gateway to Boracay Island, where tourist arrivals are expected to increase during the holiday period.
Other ports under intensified monitoring include Culasi Port in Roxas City, Capiz, and passenger terminals in Guimaras and Antique.
The Coast Guard will also extend surveillance operations beyond passenger terminals to beach resorts and coastal recreational areas, where holidaymakers are expected to gather.
The expanded security coverage is intended to protect not only passengers traveling aboard commercial vessels but also tourists and vacationers engaging in maritime recreational activities.
Tighter inspections, emergency readiness
K-9 units and Coast Guard working dogs will be deployed at major ports to strengthen inspections and prevent prohibited items from being brought aboard passenger vessels.
Medical personnel will likewise be positioned at strategic locations to respond to health-related emergencies, while passenger assistance desks will be established to address travelers’ concerns.
Barnizo warned that security personnel will strictly enforce restrictions on dangerous and prohibited items.
“Passengers are reminded that bringing or consuming alcoholic beverages aboard vessels is prohibited. Sharp objects such as knives and bolos, firearms, ammunition, explosives and illegal drugs are also not allowed,” he said.
The Coast Guard also reminded passengers to observe maritime safety regulations, including wearing life jackets when instructed, familiarizing themselves with emergency exits and lifesaving equipment, and following directions from vessel crew members.
Travelers were urged to report suspicious individuals, unusual activities and unattended baggage immediately to authorities.
To minimize congestion at passenger terminals, the CGDWV encouraged travelers to book their trips early, arrive well ahead of departure schedules and monitor shipping advisories, particularly those involving weather conditions and possible vessel cancellations.
Authorities emphasized that the heightened alert is not limited to preventing security incidents but also seeks to strengthen emergency preparedness and protect passengers against maritime accidents during the holiday travel rush.
The Coast Guard said public cooperation and strict compliance with safety regulations will be crucial to ensuring safe and orderly sea travel throughout the six-day Undas security operation./PN
