DOTr braces for holiday rush

CEBU, Philippines — Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has directed all agencies attached to the Department of Transportation to ensure a safe, smooth and convenient transportation during the Christmas season.

In line with the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2024, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has announced that all its operating units will be on high alert starting on Friday, December 13, until January 6, 2025.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan has instructed all PCG Districts, Stations, and Sub-Stations to intensify security and safety measures in all ports and ferry terminals.

"Our kababayans have long been waiting for this season to spend quality time with their families and loved ones, either at their home provinces or in various vacation spots. Thus, we are anticipating and preparing for the high volume of maritime traffic," Gavan said.

This is to ensure the orderly operations of sea transport facilities, convenient travel of the seafaring public, peaceful celebration of Christmas, and security of tourists in beach and private resorts nationwide.

Special attention will also be given to the Visayas region due to the number of tourist destinations in the region.

"We conduct 24/7 monitoring of nautical highways routes, especially in the Visayas where most tourist destinations are located. Rest assured, we will ensure maritime security and safety on our western and eastern seaboards, including inter-island routes. Our deployable response groups and the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) are ready for these operations," Gavan added.

PCG personnel will be patrolling maritime tourist destinations, ready to augment lifeguards and first responders to uphold public safety.

"We have safety inspectors in port terminals, law enforcement teams in strategic tourist vacation spots, patrol teams in critical vicinity waters, and deployable response groups on standby for additional security augmentations and rescue missions, as the need arises," the Coast Guard Commandant emphasized.

Gavan urged fellow Coast Guardians to exercise vigilance in inspecting passengers and luggage to ascertain travel safety and security, with medical teams ready to assist during any emergencies.

Coast Guard K9 units and security teams will be conducting strict inspections in passenger terminals and on board ships to ensure safe and convenient port operations. — (FREEMAN)