Coast Guard in Dagupan to hold random inspections of small bancas during rainy season

With big waves likely to pose a threat to seacraft during the rainy season, the Philippine Coast Guard will hold random inspections of balutos (small bancas) to ensure they are not overloaded.

Covered by the random inspections are coastal areas of Dagupan, Binmaley and Lingayen in Pangasinan, GMA Dagupan reported.

"Sa mga mananakay natin, iwasan magkarga nang marami," said PCG Dagupan City substation commander PO1 Ferdinand Bartolome.

Balutos can carry up to six people – five passenger and the bangkero (operator).

The Coast Guard said that while the balutos offer a faster trip, they may not be safe especially when they encounter big waves.

For their part, small banca operators are wary of overloading.

"Kung mataas ang alon baka tumaob ang bangka," said Rizal Jay, a banca operator.

Meanwhile, Bartolome also reminded banca operators and residents in coastal barangays to monitor weather reports.

"Inaabisuhan natin yung mga coastal barangay, yung mga maliliit na bangka. Alaminin muna yung lagay ng panahon," he said. — Joel Locsin/LBG, GMA News