Bracing for Holy Week exodus

PCG on heightened alert from April 13 to 20

- By MARTIN SADONGDONG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on a heightened alert status during this year's observance of Holy Week in response to President Marcos' earlier order for all enforcement agencies not to sleep on the job during the period.

PCG Commandant, Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan said coast guard districts, stations, and sub-stations nationwide will be placed on heightened alert from April 13 to 20 to efficiently manage the influx of port passengers who will return to their home provinces to commemorate the religious event with their families and loved ones.

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), in a press statement, said it expects over 1.73 million port passengers from April 14 to 20 this year, a 3.5 percent increase from last year's 1.67 million passengers.