BY MA. THERESA LADIAO
ILOILO City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Iloilo is on heightened alert for this year’s Holy Week.
Commander Jan J. Terazona, the newly installed chief of the PCG Station Iloilo, said around 80 PCG personnel are currently deployed in major seaports in Iloilo composed of K9 units, medical teams, and special operations unit, to ensure the safety of inbound and outbound travelers.
Coast Guard auxiliaries and Malasakit desks are also stationed in seaports to provide further assistance.
“Para po sa ating kababayan na tatawid sa araw ng Semana Santa… sumunod po sana sa ating mga patakaran. At kung maaari po sana nilang agahan ang pagpunta sa mga seaports kasi po magkakaroon na ng dagsaan ng mga pasahero,” Terazona said.
In anticipation of potential emergencies, Terazona outlined contingency plans, citing the presence of standby floating assets in this city, particularly between Iloilo and Guimaras, to address simultaneous crises, such as an influx of vacationers or unforeseen incidents during ferry travel.
“Ang back-up plan po namin ay meron po tayo naka-standby na floating assets dito sa Iloilo City. Inaasahan natin ‘yung pagdagsa ng mga kababayan natin na magbabakasyon sa kabilang isla. Naka-standby sila diyan 24 hours or during travel time ng mga ro-ro (roll on/roll off) vessels and fiber boats,” he added.
Terazona further stressed the importance of preparedness, advising travelers to bring essentials such as hats, towels, and water to mitigate the effects of the heat and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey this Holy Week./PN
