Security measures have been intensified in all public ports nationwide starting 15 December amid the expected surge of passengers and cargo for the Christmas holiday rush.

More or less 3,000 security personnel are deployed in all ports under the Philippine Ports Authority since Monday to help ensure safe, orderly and smooth flow of travelers, PPA general manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago said in a press briefing on Tuesday.

The agency’s security forces are fully prepared, with increased vigilance at ports through close coordination with other government agencies and with X-ray machines and K9 units working 24/7, Santiago added.

The PPA reiterated the implementation of PPA Memorandum Circular No. 06-2010, or the “Prohibition on the Mandatory Sale of Passenger Insurance Coverage.”

Under the directive, no additional insurance fee should be charged to passengers at PPA-managed ports. All passengers are already covered by the vessel’s insurance policy in case of any incident while on board. Only the terminal fee is collected from passengers at all ports.

The PPA assured the public that its help desks and official social media accounts remain open to receive inquiries in line with the government’s directive to prioritize public welfare and safety, especially during the holiday rush.