Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan on Tuesday directed all Coast Guard units to ensure necessary preparations and implement operations towards a generally safe and peaceful conduct of ‘Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025.’
As per the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., the PCG shall work with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Maritime Sector to ensure zero maritime casualty during the annual Lenten season.
Gavan has placed PCG districts, stations, and sub-stations on heighted alert status from 13 to 20 April 2025 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.
According to the PCG Command Center, they monitored 1.65 million port passengers during Semana Santa 2024, which was 10% higher than the 2023 record of 1.50 million commuters at ports and waterways across the country.
“This influx presents challenges, such as overcrowding, vessel overloading, and heightened risks of maritime-related crimes,” Gavan said.
The PCG chief explained that maritime crimes such as robbery remain threats to the security of passengers across major ports in Manila, Cebu, Davao, and Zamboanga during the recent years’ Holy Week, necessitating heightened security measures.
Coast Guard personnel shall perform 24/7 monitoring of nautical highways on western and eastern seaboards, including inter-island routes. Meanwhile, PCG K9 units and security teams shall also implement thorough port terminal and vessel inspections.
Rescuers are instructed assist lifeguards in maritime tourist destinations, while responders shall ensure active presence through regular coastal patrols within their respective maritime jurisdictions. Seaborne patrol units are told to prepare for possible search and rescue missions.
In compliance with the guidance of DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, the PCG shall work with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), and local government units in implementing interagency operations for the safety lives and properties amid Semana Santa 2025.
