Negros Coast Guard on heightened alert for Holy Week

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Negros Occidental is on heightened alert starting Friday, March 24, in preparation for the summer vacation and the observance of Holy Week next month.

Commander Joe Luviz Mercurio, head of PCG northern Negros Occidental, said that all boat technicians were deployed to the northern part of the province to check the status of all the machineries and equipment.

The deployment of more Coast Guard personnel in seaports has started as well as they anticipate an influx of passengers in the coming weeks.

Mercurio said that about 50 personnel who were sent to Antique to help minimize the oil spill will be recalled to augment the other substations in Negros to ensure the safety of travelers and vacationers or tourists.

Mercurio assured that the deployment of PCG personnel is enough for the said occasions.

He said that checking beach resorts and lifeguards are part of their preparation to ensure that no untoward incidents will happen.

The Coast Guard official reminded the public that transacting with unauthorized boats or vessels is prohibited, as it is illegal.

He said that there is a responsibility or criminal liability if someone will be caught transacting with an unauthorized boat or carrying passengers on an unauthorized vessel.

He said they don’t want past incidents to happen again. “We have learned our lesson, so we must be responsible. Indi na ta mag risk,” he added.