THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Occidental has started monitoring the various ports in Negros Occidental just days before the start of holiday season which will begin on Sunday, December 15.

Newly-appointed PCG-Negros Occidental chief, Lieutenant Commander Jansen Benjamin, said under the directives of overall PCG commander, Admiral Joel Garcia, they have initiated “Oplan Byaheng Ayos, Pasko 2019” effectively placing the entire force on “full alert” status.

PCG has deployed its personnel and K9 units at the ports of Pulupandan, Cadiz, Sagay, Escalante, San Carlos City, and the Bredco and Banago ports in Bacolod.

Benjamin ordered the sub-station commanders to inspect the equipment of all vessels before allowing them to leave port.

Passengers are also required to have their baggage checked prior to boarding to make sure that they are not carrying any contraband or weapons.

The number of passengers in the province’s ports, meanwhile, remain normal. However, the PCG is expecting the number to further increase in the coming days prior to the Christmas Day celebration. (TDE)