WITH the unstable weather condition of the country today, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Northern Mindanao is now closely monitoring vessels at the Macabalan Wharf.
This is in connection with a typhoon spotted by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Lt. Commander Nelson Torre of the Coast Guard District Northern Mindanao said the operation of different vessels to their area of destination remains uninterrupted and still safe to sail.
“But fishermen should not sail especially if there’s a reported typhoon. We’re also monitoring them,” Torre said in an interview over RMN-dxCC Tuesday.
He said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has instituted more proactive measures to minimize, if not totally prevent, maritime accidents.
It can be recalled that on June 21, 2008, M/V Princess of the Stars capsized in
Sitio Cabitangan, Barangay Taclobo, Sibuyan Island in Romblon during the onslaught of Typhoon Frank.
The ill-fated vessel was en route to Cebu City from Manila when the tragedy happened.
Under the new law signed by former President Gloria Arroyo, the PCG has the authority to detain and prevent from sailing substandard passenger and cargo vessels plying the country’s waters. (ALR)