Palawan Coast Guard tightens security amid tourism boom

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Palawan has tightened its security measures with the expected influx of tourists in Palawan during the Lenten break and the summer vacation.

PCG-Palawan district commander Commodore Enrico Efren Evangelista said a three-day tourism awareness seminar was held from Feb. 29 to March 2 among Coast Guard personnel.

“This is also in preparation for the increase in the frequency of travelers via water especially those who would be visiting (tourist spots) Honda Bay, Sabang, El Nido and Coron,” said Evangelista. 

He said many are also curious to see the Puerto Princesa Underground River, which made it to the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

Evangelista said there is a need “to redefine the role of the PCG to meet the booming tourism industry in Palawan.”

Figures from the provincial tourism office showed an increase in tourist arrivals in Palawan since 2009. There were 345,738 tourists in 2009; 523,872 in 2010; and 631,135 last year.

Evangelista said among the security measures is the deployment of K-9 teams in the district. He said he would request the PCG headquarters to send trained dogs to the province to help them cope with the demands of the job. 

He said he is also requesting for additional elite divers from the PCG’s special operations group. He said they currently have nine divers and would need four more. 

The maritime agency also plans to increase its visibility and vigilance in tourists spots. “In areas with heavy tourist areas such as Honda Bay and our plan is to put some foot patrol in the area,” Evangelista said.