THE PHILIPPINE Coast Guard on Tuesday declared a heightened alert status for the implementation of Oplan Balik Eskwela 2022 from August 15 to 29, 2022.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista directed the PCG to coordinate with the Philippine Ports Authority and the Cebu Ports Authority for the 24/7 operations of DOTr Malasakit Help Desks in major ports, harbors, and other maritime transport facilities.

The MHDs shall also be manned by a medical team to provide first aid and other necessary assistance for sea passengers.

Aside from receiving and handling complaints from the riding public and maritime stakeholders, they shall also report possible threats to public safety, provide meals to stranded passengers, and assist in booking road transport services.

“Our Coast Guard Districts will also deploy additional K9 teams and security personnel to intensify vessel safety checks and pre-departure inspections to ensure convenient, safe, and secure sea transport services,” PCG Commandant CG Admiral Abu said in a statement.

“They are also in charge of reminding vessel crew and passengers on their compliance with minimum public health standards amid the ongoing pandemic,” he added.

The PCG official directed the Coast Guard Fleet and the Coast Guard Aviation Force to deploy vessels and air assets for maritime surveillance in major sea lanes in the country.

“We call on the riding public to comply with stricter inspection of baggage and support the implementation of additional security layers in ports and passenger terminals to prevent hostile elements from perpetrating terrorist acts,” Abu said.