Coast Guard-NegOcc under ‘heightened alert’ for holidays

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – The Philippine Coast Guard Station in Negros Occidental will be placed on “heightened alert” beginning next week as part of preparations for the influx of travelers for the holiday season.

Capt. Ludovico Librilla, deputy commander of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Western Visayas (CGDWV) and commander of PCG-NegOcc, said all personnel have already been directed to fully-implement safety and security protocols in various ports of the province.

Librilla said they will deploy the same number of personnel from last year as they do not have any additional personnel from CGDWV.

Personnel guarding the ports were ordered to conduct regular pre-departure inspections on all vessels to ensure that health protocols are strictly observed.

Librilla also reminded travelers to make sure they have the necessary travel documents such as vaccine cards/certificates for vaccinated individuals, and negative RT-PCR test results for unvaccinated travelers.

He also advised travelers to avoid bringing prohibited items such as firecrackers or pyrotechnics, firearms, and any sharp objects.

Travelers are further advised to regularly check the weather prior to their scheduled trip, as the Coast Guard can suspend sea trips if the weather condition is not favorable for safe sea travel.