No sail zone in Cagayan

BAGUIO CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)–Cagayan announced it will enforce a “No Sail Zone” during live-fire exercises for the 40th Philippines-United States Balikatan Joint Military Exercises in Aparri, Cagayan.

The PCG said the policy will be enforced from 3 to 4 May during which all types of sea vessels will be prohibited from sailing in the area.

The purpose of the “No Sail Zone” is to ensure that no maritime incident will happen during the live fire exercises.

The Balikatan Balikan Exercises between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military started on 21 April and will end on 9 May this year. The exercise is part of the effort of the two countries to strengthen joint operational capacity, advance interoperability and ensure the security alliance of the military of the Philippines and the US in responding to any security threat to the country.

Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices were also instructed to implement necessary measures to ensure public safety in their respective areas. Authorities assured that normal operations in the area are expected to resume after the military exercises.