MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said it would deploy some 17,000 personnel in ports and some tourist spots during the Holy Week after the agency raised a heightened alert status as Filipinos make their way to and from provinces during the Lenten break. 

EDSA rehab unlikely to begin during Holy Week: DPWH

The PCG’s “Oplan Byaheng Ayos Semana Santa” is active from April 13 to 20, said Michael John Encina, the PCG’s Deputy Spokesperson.

“Overall we will deploy 17,000 personnel para magprovide ng pre-departure inspection, magbantay sa ating mga pantalan pati mga maliliit na pasahero na floating asset na pantawid sa mga malalapit na lugar,” he told state television PTV. 

“Ang Coast Guard will be conducting a recreational safety enforcement inspection kung saan ang mga pangunahing tourist spots all over the country will be inspected to ensure na mayroon silang mga kuwalipikadong mga lifeguard, mayroon silang mga sapat na medical personnel just in case kailanganin,” he said. 

“Isa ito sa mga enforcement at paghahanda na ginagawa ng PCG para matiyak natin na yung mga turista ay safe at secure sa paparating na Semana Santa,” he added.

The PCG has been coordinating with the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Ports Authority to ensure safe travel across the country, Encina said. 

“Nakadeploy at naka handa ang ating mga Coast Guard vessel to provide necessary assistance just in case na magkaroon ng any incident relative sa pagsama ng panahon,” he said. 

“‘Yung mga pinagbabawal na kargamento huwag na po nilang dalhin para hindi na din po tayo maging abala at maging cause ng delay ng iba nating kasamahan,” he said. 

As of 6 a.m. of April 14 over 31,000 passengers have been monitored in various ports in the country, the PCG said.

RELATED VIDEO