The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Monday that it will be on heightened alert from 13 December 2024 to 6 January 2025 to ensure the safety and security of sea travelers during the holiday season.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan issued the directive to all Coast Guard districts, stations, and substations to intensify their security and safety measures in various ports and terminals nationwide.

Gavan said the PCG anticipates a surge in maritime traffic as Filipinos travel to their home provinces or vacation spots.

To address this, the agency will implement several measures as the PCG will closely monitor nautical highway routes, especially in the Visayas region, where many popular tourist destinations are located.

Meantime, deployable response groups and the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) will be on standby to respond to emergencies and provide assistance while rigorous inspections will be conducted on passengers, luggage, terminals, and vessels to prevent security threats and ensure safety.

Also, medical teams will be deployed to provide assistance to travelers in case of health emergencies, as the PCG will coordinate with the Philippine Ports Authority and Maritime Industry Authority to ensure the safety and security of vessels and port operations.

“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,” Gavan said.

He also urged sea travelers to be vigilant and cooperate with authorities to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday season. He also reminded them to check weather conditions and travel advisories before embarking on their journeys.

The Western seaboard encompasses Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Aklan, Iloilo, and the Zamboanga regions, while the Eastern seaboard includes Manila, the Bicol Region, Samar, Leyte and Surigao provinces.