ILOILO City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has placed all its stations in Western Visayas on heightened alert and deployed about 400 personnel across the region as thousands of revelers are expected to crowd beaches and coastal areas for the Feast of St. John the Baptist (San Juan de Bautista) today, June 24.
The large-scale deployment covers major beach destinations and coastal communities in Iloilo, Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Guimaras, with Coast Guard units instructed to intensify monitoring and emergency response operations.
The Feast of San Juan de Bautista is a major religious event honoring the saint’s birth, and famously marked by water-dousing symbolizing baptism. Splashing water on people commemorates, too, the baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John at the River Jordan.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Aldrin Barnizo, spokesperson of Coast Guard District Western Visayas, said all available personnel and water assets have been positioned and prepared to ensure public safety during the festivities.
In Iloilo, Coast Guard personnel are focusing their operations on the Iloilo Fish Port Complex and the coastal stretch from Barangay Baybay Tanza in Iloilo City to Barangay Cabanbanan in Oton town, where authorities expect large crowds to gather for water-related activities and traditional celebrations.
Authorities have likewise heightened security and safety measures in Boracay Island, one of the country’s top tourist destinations, as well as in popular diving sites in Antique, Baybay in Roxas City, Capiz, and several coastal areas in Guimaras.
The annual Feast of St. John the Baptist is traditionally marked by water-splashing activities, beach gatherings and family outings, drawing thousands of residents and tourists to coastal destinations across Western Visayas.
The Coast Guard urged the public to observe safety protocols, heed advisories, and coordinate with authorities while participating in the festivities to prevent accidents and ensure a safe celebration for everyone./PN
