Coast Guard on heightened alert for school opening

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is on heightened alert because of the expected influx of students in the coming days, in time for the opening of classes on June 6. PCG commandant Vice Admiral Ramon Liwag also ordered PCG personnel to be extra vigilant because of the onset of the "rainy and typhoon season." "Vice Admiral Liwag has thus placed all PCG units on heightened alert," the PCG said in an article posted on its website. The PCG noted that the Philippines experiences an average of 20 cyclones a year. Liwag also ordered the enforcement of "Oplan Kahandaan," a proactive approach to prevent or at least minimize maritime accidents. Appeal to commuters The PCG also appealed to the riding public to be extra vigilant against crew and ships committing blatant violations of maritime safety rules and regulations. It urged them to report those who deliberately carry passengers in excess of their authorized capacity, those lacking in lifesaving appliances, and/ or those operating “colorum" vessels, to the PCG text hotline 0917-PCGDOTC (0917-724-3682). The PCG also appealed to the public not to patronize “colorum" boats, saying that many of these boats are unseaworthy and do not have life-saving appliances onboard. It likewise urged the public to be aware of regular weather updates to help them schedule their trips and avoid being stranded in cases where passenger or RoRo ships and boats will not be allowed to sail during inclement weather. Oplan Kahandaan Under "Oplan Kahandaan," Liwag ordered the strict observance of safety and security measures by ship owners, operators, masters, and other agencies. The measures include: