PCG on heightened alert starting July 24 due to SONA, Egay

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it would be on heightened alert in several parts of the country starting Monday, July 24, in light of the second State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Severe Tropical Storm Egay.

The Coast Guard said on Sunday the heightened alert would be focused on the National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, Northeastern Luzon, Northwestern Luzon, Southern Tagalog, and Bicol Region.

PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio Abu said the alert was to help ensure that Monday's SONA would be peaceful and safe amid the simultaneous three-day transport strike.

The Coast Guard, along with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP), will thus deploy security personnel, K9 units, and medical teams to critical areas in the NCR for this year’s SONA, which will be held at the Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

Abu added that the heightened alert was also part of the PCG’s preparation for the effects of Egay.

Deployable response groups had been alerted for possible evacuation or rescue operations in the provinces that the tropical cyclone would affect.

Family food packs and hygiene kits were also being prepared for distribution to affected families.

The PCG said it was also coordinating with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to ensure the safety of passengers and vessels set to travel in the next few days.

The heightened alert will remain until the weather normalizes. — DVM, GMA Integrated News