The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday said it will be on heightened alert to ensure “orderly sea travel operations and security” nationwide as it expects an influx of travelers during the holiday season. 

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has directed Coast Guard districts, stations, and substations to intensify their security and safety measures in various ports and terminals from December 13, 2024, to January 6, 2025. 

“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,” Gavan said. 

He noted the PCG expects an increasing number of tourists visiting beaches and private resorts across the country.

“Thus, we are anticipating and preparing for the high volume of maritime traffic,” he added, noting that lifeguards, first responders, and more Coast Guard personnel will patrol various maritime tourist destinations.

Gavan likewise instructed the PCG to conduct a 24/7 monitoring of nautical highway 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,” he added. 

Further, Gavan said deployable response groups and the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) are ready for these operations throughout the Christmas holiday season. 

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.

Gavan said rigorous inspections will be carried out on passengers, luggage, terminals, and vessels to guarantee safe and efficient port operations.

Medical teams are on standby to assist travelers in case of health emergencies. 

"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 noted that the PCG will be in close coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for safety and security inspections on vessels.