Saturday, September 09, 2006
Security concerns may be first test for new port chief
A coast Guard (CG) official yesterday reminded all shipping firms to strictly inspect the bags and other belongings of passengers, a day after a former governor of Biliran was gunned down shortly after arriving in Cebu City.
But Commodore Alejandro Flora, CG Central Eastern Visayas District chief, took exception to reports that the Coast Guard blamed the management of mv Cagayan Princess for the fatal shooting of Biliran’s former governor, Danilo Parilla.
What the CG stressed was for all shipping firms to prioritize the safety of ship passengers, Flora said.
“No, we’re not blaming the shipping company. We only stressed that the ship owners’ responsibility is to ensure the safety of their passengers. Inspection of the passengers and their baggage must be done before allowing them to board the ship,” he added.
If the passengers are still in the port area, Flora said it is also the responsibility of the security personnel of the Philippine Port Authority (PPA) to check them and their belongings.
“It’s premature to put the blame on anyone, because there is no result yet of the investigation,” he added.
Flora reiterated that the CG’s job is to conduct pre-departure inspections to prevent overloading of passengers and cargo, and ensure the vessel’s seaworthiness.
The inspection is usually done minutes before a commercial vessel is scheduled to leave port, and by then, majority of the passengers are already aboard, he said.
He said, though, that the CG is supporting port authorities in conducting inspections and augmenting the PPA’s security force.
Carlos Co of the Cebu Port Commission said they may discuss the possibility of installing X-ray machines for incoming passengers, so that firearms are detected.
Parilla was shot while still aboard the ship, and it remains unclear how his gunman managed to sneak in firearms, when all bags are supposed to be checked before passengers board.
The Parilla murder has highlighted the need to tighten port security, especially as Cebu prepares to host an international summit in December.
Angelo Verdan, newly installed general manager of the Cebu Port Authority (CPA), is eyeing the construction of more passenger terminals to improve port safety.
“Let me get my bearings first and you will hear more,” Verdan said.
On mass motion, Verdan was elected as vice chairman of the Cebu Port Commission, the CPA’s policy-making body, in its board meeting yesterday.
“I shall continue and pursue the programs set by the commission, modifying, revising and enhancing them when necessary as we move along, in addition to new programs that may be put in place,” Verdan said.
He said that priority will be given to put in place the logistics for the Strong Republic Nautical Highway of President Arroyo, which is intended to further promote tourism and inter-island trade. (GC/EOB)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 9, 2006 issue)
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