The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced that they will be on heightened alert for seven days starting April 13 in line with the expected influx of passengers during Holy Week.

The PCG's heightened alert status will stay until April 20, deploying 17,000 personnel nationwide.

In a radio interview, PCG deputy spokesperson Commander Michael John Encina said that they are expecting an increase in passengers during the observance of Semana Santa.

“We will be monitoring our ports, along with our beach resorts and our tourist spots,” Encina said.

Department of Transportation (DOTR) Secretary Vince Dizon, together with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), and the PCG signed a memorandum circular to ensure that vessels travelling over the Holy Week will not be overloaded.

“We will not allow vessels to be loaded past the safe number of passengers. We will ensure and verify that all the cargo is according to the safety weight of passenger and cargo vessels,” Encina added.

The PCG have also deployed K9 teams to ports all over the country to inspect cargo that may hold illegal items.

“PCG has the most number of K9 teams… they will be conducting paneling to ensure that all cargo will be checked,” Encina said.

PCG also ensured that they are in close coordination with PPA and MARINA in conducting pre-departure inspections to ensure that vessels are fit to travel prior to leaving their respective ports. Yzabela Velez-White/DMS