PCG’s biggest ship helps stranded individuals going to Davao, General Santos

June 15, 2020

The newest and biggest vessel of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) transported more than 100 locally stranded individuals going to Davao and General Santos City on Monday.

Commodore Armando Balilo, PCG spokesman, said BRP Gabriela Silang carrying 150 individuals left Port Area, Manila around 12 noon.

Balilo said the locally stranded individuals were ferried by  PCG buses from Villamor Air Base to BRP Gabriela Silang at Port Area on Monday morning.

"Earlier, six PCG buses proceeded to the Villamor Air Base to ferry said locally stranded individuals (who) were declared free from the threat of COVID-19," he said.

"Upon arrival at the Port Area, Manila, the LSIs were carefully guided through registration and body temperature checking, while their baggage were loaded at the PCG’s newest offshore patrol vessel," he added.

Balilo said PCG Commandant, Vice Admiral George Ursabia Jr.  talked to several stranded individuals to express  his gratitude for their cooperation, through their full compliance with health and quarantine protocols being implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Balilo said Ursabia also assured locally stranded individuals they will have a safe, secured, and convenient sea transport to their home cities, with the help of the crew members of the BRP Gabriela Silang.

“You should not worry on your trip. We will provide free food and accommodation and we also have medical personnel to monitor your health conditions within the two days trip," said Ursabia.

Balilo said upon arriving in Davao City and General Santos City, locally stranded individuals will be welcomed by PCG frontline personnel who will supervise the safe disembarkation, inspection of pertinent documents, and health screening.

"Afterwards, they will be transported to their respective local government units (LGUs) for further assistance," he said. Robina Asido/DMS