Govt boosts drive vs colorum vessels
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Sunday directed the maritime police to help the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) intensify the crackdown on colorum vessels as millions of passengers are expected in seaports during the Holy Week.
Police Officers will also assist the PCG in monitoring overloaded passenger vessels.
“The local police must also make sure that small ports, especially those without coast guards, will be monitored particularly for overcrowding,” he said. “Let us make sure that all these vessels are within the allowed number of passengers and safe.”
During Friday’s inter-agency meeting at Camp Crame in Quezon City, PCG spokesman Rear Adm. Armand Balilo said they have limited manpower to monitor illegal vessels.
“What we will do is to be strict, be visible, but what is really important here is cooperation of the public and also the help of the PNP in case there is no coast guard to stop colorum vessels,” Balilo said.
PNP spokesman Col. Jean Fajardo said all units are on heightened alert from March 25 to April 1.
Fajardo said 52,273 police offiCERS WILL BE DEPLOYED TO SECURE travelers in places of worship, commercial areas and other convergence points.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Health, Department of Transportation and Land Transportation OFfiCE ARE ALSO PART OF THE SECURITY contingent.
The Philippine Ports Authority earlier said it was expecting over 2 million passengers in various ports nationwide.