PCG personnel, boats, dogs on standby for elections

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said they are one with the nation in promoting peaceful and safe elections on Monday

PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan, during the send-off ceremony on Friday, said all Coast Guard Districts, Stations, and Sub-Stations are fully prepared to back up the Commission on Elections in ensuring a smooth conduct of the polls.

Starting 9 May, the PCG has deployed security personnel and K9 units to further strengthen security monitoring of election paraphernalia, as well as schools that will be used in the upcoming elections.

Gavan said PCG floating assets, such as rubber boats, aluminum boats, and small watercraft, are on standby to patrol Manila Bay, Pasig River, and other waterways for the safety of voters and election personnel.

PCG trucks and other vehicles, on the other hand, are also ready if needed for the safe transport of election paraphernalia and force augmentation, in accordance with the needs of the Comelec or local government.

Under the directive of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, the PCG is also monitoring the safety and security of residents in remote areas such as “island communities” to maintain a peaceful and safe election.

In partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), the PCG is closely coordinating to ensure that any incident that may cause harm to the public is circumvented.

This includes intensifying inspections of ports and vessels.

Coast Guard deployable response groups (DRGs) are also on standby to lead search and rescue operations, should any accidents occur on the coast, a few days before the elections.

Meanwhile, Admiral Gavan once again reminded PCG personnel to refrain from participating in activities or openly showing support for any politician using their social media accounts, even though part of their sworn duty is to be “impartial” as public servants.

During the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview on Friday, Comelec spokesperson Director John Rex Laudiangco said they have already delivered the automated counting machines throughout the Philippines.

“We are done with the deliveries. So, we can say that we are ready. It’s just a matter of bringing the machines to the schools. The machines are now under the care of our teachers and only the ballots ang aasikasuhin nila sa madaling araw ng 12 May,” said Laudiangco.