SAN JOSE, Antique – Captains and crew of passenger vessels going to Mararison Island and other tourist destinations in Antique were reminded to comply with safety requirements.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) issued the advisory prior to the undas break – Nov. 1 (All Saints’ Day) and Nov. 2 (All Souls’ Day) – when a high influx of tourists are expected in the province.
PCG-Antique Commander Perlita P. Cinco said people going to the province would not only visit the graves of their dearly departed but also unwind at various tourist spots, like Culasi’s Mararison Island and Anini-y’s Nogas Island.
“Please always ask your passengers to use life jackets,” said Cinco, adding that boat captains should not allow overloading in their vessels.
There are 64 motorboats operating from Culasi Port to Mararison Island and seven from Anini-y mainland to Nogas island.
Cinco said they are still waiting for a directive from their higher command on observing a “full alert status.”
“We usually observe full alert status from Oct. 25 to Nov. 5,” added Cinco.
Full alert status means PCG personnel are reporting on duty for 24 hours.
There are 46 PCG personnel in Antique. Some assigned at the provincial station at the San Jose de Buenavista Port and at the four substations in Culasi, Libertad, Caluya mainland, and Semirara Island. (With a report from PNA/PN)
