PCG on heightened alert for Holy Week 2025

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on heightened alert on Holy Week 2025 for the expected exodus of sea travelers to the provinces.

The new alert status will be in effect from April 13, Palm Sunday, until April 20, Easter Sunday, according to a report Wednesday on Unang Balita.

The move is aimed at ensuring the security of travelers on sea vessels and ports during the Lenten Season, the report added.

As part of its Holy Week plans, the PCG is implementing Oplan Biyaheng Ayos in coordination with other government security forces.

Aside from keeping an eye on the increased volume of passengers, the PCG is standing guard for possible incidents of criminality during the expected exodus.

In a statement, PCG said it would deploy 17,000 Coast Guard personnel to work with the Department of Transportation during Holy Week.

PCG personnel will conduct 24/7 monitoring in nautical highways on western and eastern seaboards, including inter-island routes, while PCG K9 units and security teams will be deployed for port terminal and vessel inspections.

Coast Guard rescuers will also assist lifeguards in maritime tourist destinations.

Meanwhile on the roads, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy 2,500 field personnel to manage traffic.

Unang Balita reported that the order was part of MMDA's Oplan Semana Santa.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has increased the number of buses to service commuters as early as this week.

For their part, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will start conducting random inspections at terminals.

Transport hub Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) said Wednesday the LTO and the Department of Transportation (DOTR) will conduct "surprise inspections" of provincial buses at its facility. Checks will also be performed on drivers before they embark on their journeys.

The PITX reported an expected increase in commuters on Wednesday, the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) holiday, compared to last year but projected the number to continue growing as the country heads into the Holy Week break. 

Under Proclamation 727 issued by Malacañang, April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan), April 17 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18 (Good Friday) are regular holidays. Meanwhile, April 19 (Black Saturday) has been declared a special non-working day. — with Mariel Celine Serquiña/VDV/VBL, GMA Integrated News