City’s ports are safe: CPA

Even though they don’t have enough security personnel, port officials assured the public they have secured all ports in Cebu from possible terrorist threats.

During the Kapihan sa PIA yesterday, Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) ports management department manager Oscar Lopez said that during their close coordination with law enforcement agencies, they made sure all ports in Cebu are secured from criminal elements.

Through Department Order 2017-008 penned by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade earlier this month, the Phil- ippine Coast Guard (PCG) has been appointed as chief security coordinator in securing all ports in the country.

The PCG was appointed following the declaration of martial law in Mindanao last month.

Jose Venancio Vero, Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) 7 director, said the department order will remain until President Rodrigo Duterte lifts martial law in Mindanao.

In Cebu, the PCG has yet to take over the security preparations for all ports in the province, said Ensign John Michael Alip, PCG Cebu station deputy commander.

But Alip said they’ve already prepared their security measures including the deployment of K9 dogs and personnel in all ports.

He said they are strictly conducting inspections on all vessels that came from Mindanao.

With the ongoing Marawi crisis, port officials are implementing security measures within the Cebu City port area against possible terrorist threats.

This includes strict inspection of passengers and cargo coming into the ports, Lopez said.

Aside from the public ports, they are also closely coordinating with private ports in Cebu.

The Office for Transportation Security has also required private ports to provide security plans through a verification audit.

Lopez, however, admitted that they don’t have enough personnel to provide security to some ports under their jurisdiction.

Some ports, particularly those outside Cebu City, have hired private security guards to assist them in securing passengers.

Angelo Verdan, CPA general manager, urged the public to cooperate with them in their implementation of strict security measures.