By Judy F. Partlow
DUMAGUETE CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has recorded more than 46,000 inbound and outbound sea passengers in the Negros Island Region (NIR) as they flock to their home provinces for the observance of Undas (All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Commodore Christopher Auro, commander of the Coast Guard District Southern Visayas (CGDSV) here, said Saturday that the figures covered passenger movements from Thursday until midnight Friday.
Data from the CGDSV showed that 23,317 inbound passengers and 23,399 outbound passengers were monitored at various ports in Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
The Coast Guard is on red alert from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3 to ensure passenger safety and maritime security during the Undas holiday.
“Based on the directive of our commandant, Vice Admiral Rommel Supangan, we have deployed personnel for intensified security and monitoring of ports, inspection of departing vessels to ensure no overloading and overcrowding of ticketing offices,” Auro said.
The PCG has also deployed K-9 units to conduct security inspections and established passenger assistance desks in coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine National Police, PCG Auxiliary, and local government units.
Other security measures include intensified maritime patrols and the deployment of bay watch teams to beaches and resorts.
PCG auxiliary personnel are also tapped to provide additional assistance, including medical services, Auro said. (PNA)
