MANILA, Philippines — Around 22,000 Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) personnel will be deployed to help ensure a peaceful and orderly reopening of face-to-face classes on Aug. 22.
PCG commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the PCG has been on “full heightened alert” since Monday.
“We are on full heightened alert nationwide. We are ready for the Oplan Balik Eskwela. This is in coordination with the Department of Education and Department of Transportation (DOTr),” Abu said.
He said PCG personnel are monitoring small boats that are not authorized to carry passengers to ensure the safety of the riding public.
Abu urged the public to be on guard against colorum passenger boats and immediately report their activities to the PCG.
As of noon yesterday, the PCG had monitored 40,608 outbound and 34,909 inbound passengers in various ports across the country.
Up to 2,584 personnel were deployed in 15 PCG districts. They had inspected 360 vessels and 539 motorized boats.
DOTr Undersecretary for the maritime sector Elmer Sarmiento said DOTr and PCG personnel are bracing for the expected increase in the volume of sea travelers this weekend.
“I was at the Philippine Ports Authority yesterday, checking on their readiness with regard to the safety and security of our students returning to school. With the PCG, they have shown me the reports and they are ready. I am confident, I hope that everything would be fine and dandy with the return of our students to school,” Sarmiento said.