MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is deploying 50 additional personnel to guard the periphery of the Pasig River close to Bahay Pangarap, President Aquino’s official residence.
Bahay Pangarap is located across the main Palace building at the Malacañang Park. To get to the main building, President Aquino would have to cross the river using a small barge.
There are currently around 40 to 60 Coast Guard personnel distributed in five posts along the Pasig River. These are the detachments in Del Pan and Hospicio de San Jose, the checkpoints in Arrocerors and Pureza, and the PCG-Pasig Station.
“I already gave instructions that the 50 added personnel should have mixed capabilities, such as divers and medical personnel. They should also have good moral character, be presentable and have good posture,” said PCG Admiral Tamayo.
The PCG would also send eight teams of canines, each consisting of a trained dog and two handlers.
The Coast Guard would also inspect all vessels passing through the Malacañang area of the Pasig River and escort them when there are Palace engagements.