MALAY, Aklan – With the surge of visitors in Caticlan and Cagban ports, the Philippine Coast Guard is deploying more personnel to implement security measures in this year’s Holy Week.
Coast Guard units are on heightened alert from April 8 to April 22 for the safety and comfort of sea passengers during the Lenten season.
“We regularly work to maintain security, especially during Semana Santa in Boracay. In island hopping activities and maritime incidents, we have personnel on duty for security,” said Senior Petty Officer Dominador Salvino of Philippine Coast Guard Caticlan.
K-9 units are also routinely conducting paneling and inspections of passengers and baggage. Coast Guard personnel have been deployed in seaports to monitor the seaworthiness of inter-island passenger vessels and privately-owned vessels from Mindoro, Romblon, and Batangas.
Coast Guard is also focused on coastal patrol to further secure the island from the intrusion of lawless elements.
Semana Santa begins on April 10 or Palm Sunday and ends on April 17 or Easter Sunday.
More tourists will travel to Boracay Island after the government eased the restrictions. Visitors are required to submit vaccination cards or certificates before entering the island.
In March, the island welcomed more than 150,000 tourists. Within two months, the tourist arrivals with domestic tourism keep the economy afloat./PN
