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[av_heading heading=’ ‘Do not overload’ | Coastguard braces for Holy Week rush’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY GLENDA SOLOGASTOA
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Monday, April 3, 2017
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ILOILO City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is bracing for an influx of people in seaports this Holy Week.
Beginning April 5 the coastguard will be on heightened alert, said Lieutenant Commander Ramil Palabrica of PCG-Iloilo.
“Ma-inspect kita sa mga pier…we will enforce the mandatory pre-departure inspection,” he told Panay News.
The coastguard will make sure no boat is overloaded with passengers and cargo.
Public safety is a priority, stressed Palabrica.
The seaworthiness of boats will also be checked, he added.
Holy Week starts this April 9, Palm Sunday, and wraps up on the 16th, Easter Sunday. People traditionally go home for the Lenten break or take a short summer vacation in beaches, thereby clogging seaports.
Of particular concern to the coastguard are the wharfs in Iloilo City and Guimaras. Thousands of pilgrims visit the island province’s Balaan Bukid during Lent, especially on Good Friday, to witness the annual Pagtaltal, a reenactment of the passion and death of Jesus Christ.
In coordination with the Maritime Industry Authority, PCG-Iloilo will be setting up help desks in seaports.
Beach resorts will also be inspected. Palabrica said there should be lifeguards on standby.
PCG central office, meanwhile, urged travelers to observe the following safety reminders:
* Arrive at the seaport at least three hours before departure.
* Refrain from bringing prohibited cargoes, including flammable liquids and solids, toxic and infectious substances, corrosive materials, radioactive materials and explosives, and compressed gases.
* Present complete documents if carrying firearms.
PGC officer-in-charge Commodore Joel Garcia said: “Ship inspectors and Coast Guard K-9 teams were also instructed 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.”
He also reminded boat passengers to wear life jackets, particularly those taking boats with open decks./PN
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