New PCG chief: Enhance port state control, quarantine protocols amid COVID-19 pandemic

Newly-appointed Philippine Coast Guard commandant Vice Admiral George Ursabia has directed all PCG personnel to enhance port state control, which must include strengthened health and quarantine protocols, amid the threat of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

In his speech during the PCG change of command ceremony on Monday, Ursabia said it must be ensured that all vessels and watercrafts passing through the Philippine seas are compliant with international protocols on maritime safety and quarantine protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ursabia underscored the importance of the 24/7 operations of the Task Group Laban COVID-19 Water Cluster which aims to protect Philippine coastlines, seaports, and waterways from all kinds of maritime security and public health threats.

Aside from that, Ursabia called on PCG personnel to improve efforts to promote the health and safety of returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), non-OFWs, and Filipino seafarers amid the pandemic.

He also urged them to continue supporting the relief operations of the Department of Social Welfare and Development.

Ursabia also said PCG personnel must be trained in the utilization of the latest equipment to counter maritime terrorism, piracy, kidnap-for-ransom, smuggling, and other threats to security, most especially in the ZamBaSulTa (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi) region.

Protecting PCG personnel

Amid all these tasks, Ursabia emphasized the importance of protecting the physical, mental, and spiritual well-being of at least 17,000 PCG personnel, saying that if they are protected, they can effectively perform their duties.

He said he is "committed to protect the living and working conditions of officers and non-officers through social protection, rest periods, and working time arrangements."

"The PCG plays a vital role in the country’s journey toward economic, health, and social recovery, thus, we must take care of our people who serve the nation. I am open and willing to listen to creative and innovative ideas to improve the way we work and fulfill our mandate,” Ursabia said.

Ursabia formally assumed post as new PCG chief on June 1. He replaced retired Admiral Joel Garcia. —AOL, GMA News