PCG to ensure no overloaded vessels on BSKE, Undas 2023 holidays

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Sunday that it would make sure there would be no overloading on vessels that would be sailing during the long weekend of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) and Undas.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gavan said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview that Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista ordered them to ensure that there would be no excess passengers boarding vessels or motor bancas, and all passengers should be on the manifest.

“Paulit ulit na lang bawat may hindi magandang nangyayari ay mayroong hindi nakasulat [sa manifest]. Kawawa ang pasahero, lalo na ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay, dahil nagkakaron ng komplikasyon sa pag-claim nila ng insurance,” he added.

(Every time something unfortunate happens, it appears that not all passengers are on the manifest. It would be even more tragic for passengers, especially their loved ones, if there would be complications with their insurance claims.)

Gavan said shipping operators also have the responsibility to ensure that passengers are not carrying overweight bags and other belongings to avoid overloading.

Around 20,000 PCG personnel were tasked to secure the BSKE on Monday, October 30, and the All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day activities on November 1-2.

The PCG was thus on "heightened alert" from October 25 to November 5 as part of preparations for both major events. — DVM, GMA Integrated News