PCG-7 to activate help desks in seaports

CEBU, Philippines — The Philippine Coastguard in Central Visayas is set to activate its assistance desks in every seaport in the region in anticipation of more influx of travelers in the coming days.

Aside from this, the PCG-7 will be also closely monitoring the possible proliferation of fake travel documents.

Lt. Erick Salcedo, information officer of the PCG-7, said they have apprehended some travelers bearing fake travel documents in the southern area of Cebu Province, especially those who were traveling from the other island through Bato Port in Samboan.

The PCG-7 immediately coordinated with the police in the filing of appropriate charges against the concerned individuals.

“Kasi akala nila, yung mga passengers, hindi na namin bini-verify, bini-verify namin yan,” said Salcedo.

Currently, Salcedo said they have a rough estimate of less than ten individuals apprehended for bearing fake travel documents for this year.

Authorities earlier arrested a 46-year-old man in an entrapment operation for allegedly selling a fake vaccination card in an establishment in Sanciangko Street, Barangay Kalubihan, Cebu City on August 30, 2021.

During the operation, authorities seized at least three fake vaccination cards from him.

Vaccination cards were now among the documents that travelers could present to pass through.

As they anticipate more influx of travelers onwards especially during the holidays, Salcedo said they are set to activate passenger assistance desks.

“We are also endeavouring na mag-deploy ng mga personnel sa mga ports and terminals to boost the coastguard presence and to deter any elicit activities that may be conducted by the lawless elements,” said Salcedo.

These passenger assistance desks are set to be activated in the month of December in line with the yuletide season. —GMR (FREEMAN)