Coast Guard beefs up security for Holy Week

Passengers going to the provinces by boat for the annual Holy Week break should be at seaports at least three hours before their departure, the Coast Guard has said. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo issued the advice as he required ship owners and operators to submit their manifests an hour before departure. “We do not want passengers to come late and in a rush to catch their trip. The three-hour period will allow the Coast Guard to inspect the passengers and their baggage," Tamayo said told dzRB radio in Filipino. Passengers should also avoid bringing restricted cargo such as flammable liquids and solids, corrosive materials, toxic and infectious substances, compressed gasses, radioactive materials and explosives to avoid delays. Gun owners bringing their firearms should present complete documents, including Commission on Elections (Comelec) exemption permits. Tamayo earlier said he had ordered added personnel at ports, including Special Operations Group, K-9 units, and medical and auxiliary teams. The Coast Guard is also working with the Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority, and Coast Guard volunteers to ensure safe trips. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard said the Transportation department will set up help desks from March 30 to April 14. More Coast Guard personnel will be deployed and conduct random checks on passengers and luggage in busy ports, including the ones in Calapan and Roxas in Oriental Mindoro; Abra de Ilog in Occidental Mindoro; Odiongan and Romblon; Dalahican in Lucena; Balanacan, Kawit and Sta. Cruz in Marinduque; Atimonan and Puerto Real in Quezon; Matnog in Sorsogon; Allen in Samar; Lipata in Surigao, Balingoan in Misamis Oriental; and Camiguin. — NPA, GMANews.TV