PCG to inspect foreign vessels entering major ports

January 24, 2020

Amid the outbreak of the coronavirus, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has intensified its security measures and inspection of all foreign vessels that enter major ports across the country.

"In adherence to the directive of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, all port state control officers of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have been alerted to heighten maritime safety and security efforts in their areas of responsibilities," said PCG Commandant, Admiral Joel Garcia, in a statement Friday.

"Our port state control officers, together with the Bureau of Quarantine personnel, conduct comprehensive inspection of all foreign vessels that enter major ports across the country," he said.

"They ensure the implementation of stricter screening and safety measures to prevent the entry and possible spread of the new strain of coronavirus in the Philippines," Garcia added.

In a statement, Tugade directed agencies manning entry points within the country to strictly monitor arrival of tourists to prevent entry of the deadly virus in the Philippines.

“Please adopt all measures necessary and expedient to address the issue on coronavirus, considering world developments and the influx of passengers expected this Lunar New Year,” said Tugade.

“As we implement preventive measures and stringent monitoring of passengers in our transportation hubs nationwide, we implore the public to cooperate with the authority and also be vigilant in their travels at all times,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS