PCG on alert for Christmas

MANILA, Philippines — Starting today, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on heightened alert in anticipation of the influx of sea travelers this Christmas.

All PCG districts, stations and substations were instructed to intensify security and safety measures at ports and ferry terminals from Dec. 20 to Jan. 3.

Coast Guard personnel were also tasked to secure beaches and private resorts that will be visited by tourists, according to PCG chief Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan.

“We have safety inspectors at port terminals, law enforcement teams in strategic tourist vacation spots, patrol teams in critical vicinity of waters, and response groups on standby for additional security augmentations and rescue missions, as the need arises,” Gavan said.