ILOILO City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Region 6 activated its “Oplan Undas Ligtas Biyahe” in view of the upcoming observance of All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2).
PCG personnel all over Western Visayas are already on “full alert” since Friday, said PCG Region 6 spokesman Lieutenant Commander Ramil Palabrica.
This is to ensure peace and order in all ports and ferry terminals in the region during undas.
Palabrica said passengers assistance desks were already set up in all ports to accommodate complaints and concerns.
The busy ports of Dumangas, Caticlan, Guimaras, and Lapuz, including the Iloilo Ferry Terminal, are all being strictly monitored.
These desks are being jointly manned by teams from the PCG, Philippine National Police, Department of Transportation, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, and the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary.
“We are reminding the public to book early to avoid long lines during their travel,” he said. The influx of passengers in ports is expected starting Monday.
He said a pre-departure inspection of baggage will be strictly implemented to see to it that passengers are not carrying deadly weapons and firearms, as well as illegal drugs.
He also appealed to the public not to cause panic by making a “bomb joke” or “bomb scare.”
K9 dogs have also been deployed to ports to help in the inspection, especially to detect explosives and illegal drugs. (With a report from PNA/PN)
