The Philippine Coast Guard-Western Visayas is now on heightened alert as they expect an influx of passengers coming home to the provinces, including Negros Occidental, for the holidays.
They have been on red alert since the bombing at Mindanao State University in Marawi early this month, Capt. Weniel Azcuna, Coast Guard District Western Visayas acting commander, said.
The PCG central office in Manila has directed them to continue their heightened alert status, he said.
Azcuna said that the number of passengers arriving at the region’s ports is still manageable.
He assured that PCG personnel are already at the ports to ensure safety and security.
“We are ensuring that the boats are safe and we have been collaborating with other law enforcement agencies to address the concerns of the people here in Bacolod, Iloilo, and other parts of Western Visayas”, he said.
The regional commander also said that he already gave instructions to the sub-station commanders to intensify the campaign against illegal drugs.*