BACOLOD City – Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, has placed the PCG-Western Visayas on “red alert” status ahead of Christmas and New Year’s Day celebrations.
Captain Weniel Azcuna, commander of Coast Guard District Western Visayas, said they have been on heightened alert since Dec. 3 following the Mindanao State University bombing that killed four individuals and injured more than 50 others.
So far, Azcuna said, the situation in various ports across the region remains manageable.
He added the PCG-Western Visayas is ready for the anticipated influx of passengers who are either going home or vacationing as early as next week.
Meanwhile, in response to the two recent incidents involving two fast crafts plying the Iloilo-Bacolod route, Azcuna said they are strictly checking the condition of all vessels prior to leaving the ports.
The inspections also aim to prevent the overloading of passengers and cargo.
Azcuna added that port security has also been tightened and passengers’ baggages are being checked prior to being allowed inside the terminal areas. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
