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Wednesday, May 10, 2017
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ILOILO – Coastguards are expecting an influx of tourists traveling to Guimaras for the Manggahan Festival from May 11 to 22.
Two “floating assets” will be deployed to the waters of Iloilo and the island province this week, according to Philippine Coast Guard – Iloilo’s Lieutenant Commander Ramil Palabrica.
Rubber boats with Coast Guard personnel on board are on standby, while additional personnel will be deployed to ports to look after possible overloading of motorboats.
Coastguards and officers from Iloilo City and Guimaras police stations will hold random inspections at the Ortiz wharf and the Iloilo Ferry Terminal, Palabrica said.
Carrying of deadly weapons, firearms and illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.
Gov. Samuel Gumarin ordered the coastguards to give particular attention to the possible entry of drugs in Guimaras, Palabrica said.
The Coast Guard will deploy five K9 dogs to roam the ports to detect narcotics and explosives.
“We always want to secure our passengers, so we really ensure maritime security at sea and the ports,” Palabrica said.
While tourists are already heading to the island province, Palabrica said they are expecting the number to increase from May 20 to 22.
He advised the public to ride only motorboats registered with the Maritime Industry Authority.
Passengers should check if the motorboat is authorized to operate and equipped with safety gears like lifejackets, he said. (PNA)
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