Coast Guard on heightened alert

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard in Cebu is on heightened alert to ensure the safety of arriving and departing passengers trying to get home for the New Year.

Commander Anelito Gabisan of the PCG said that there are personnel backed by bomb sniffing dogs going around the port conducting security checks.

He said they raised the security alert level to thwart any attempt by lawless elements as there is an increased number of arriving and departing passengers.

He added that they have already put in place measures to ensure passenger safety.

The baggage that are brought by outgoing passengers are subjected to x-ray inspection before they would be allowed to board a particular boat.

There will be also a Coast Guard inspection team that will board vessels to prevent overloading.

Boats that would be found carrying more than the allowable number of passengers will definitely not be allowed to sail.

A separate bomb disposal unit with bomb sniffing dogs has also been deployed.

Four help desks at Piers 1, 3 and 4 in Cebu City were established to attend the needs of passengers in distress.

Elements of the PCG noticed suspicious cargo outside the vicinity at pier 4 in Cebu City and they found out that it contained firecrackers.

Gabisan said that the three boxes were found abandoned outside the pier 4 terminal and was later turned over to their office.

He said that the firecrackers will be properly disposed.

“Amoa ra ning bubu-an og tubig ang mga firecrackers para dili na na kabuto,” Gabisan said.

He added that the Coast Guard is strictly monitoring the pier area in coordination with the Cebu Port Authority especially during the Christmas season to ensure that no explosives will be transported. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon and Johanna Natavio/NLQ (FREEMAN NEWS)