PCG intensifies ops vs. 'colorum' motorbancas in C. Visayas
2024-Nov-02 08:00
ANTI-COLORUM OPS. Philippine Coast Guard 7 (Central Visayas) chief Commodore Weniel Azcuna inspects the passenger terminal at the Cebu City Pier 1 on Friday (Nov. 1, 2024). Azcuna urged travelers not to patronize colorum or unregistered motorbancas as these could be flagged down by the Coast Guard during sea travel. (PNA)
CEBU CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 7 (Central Visayas) has intensified its operations against "colorum" or unlicensed motorbancas traveling with passengers without passing safety checks with authorities this long holiday.
Commodore Weniel Azcuna, PCG-7 director, said colorum motorbancas are a danger to passengers heading home to their provinces to observe All Saints' and All Souls' Days, without going through pre-travel inspections.
"We are urging the public not to patronize unregistered motorbancas to avoid getting inconvenienced when these motorbancas are flagged down by your coast guard while traveling at sea," he told reporters here.
In his visit to Cebu City Pier 1 passenger terminal, Azcuna noted a continued influx of passengers who wanted to catch up on trips to their home provinces to observe Undas with their loved ones.
He said Friday is the second day of the Department of Transportation's Oplan Biyaheng Ayos Undas 2024.
"So far, your coast guard appears to be prepared. The situation in our pier area is manageable," he added, even as he urged passengers to come two hours before the intended time of travel.
Azcuna also called on passengers not to carry prohibited and contraband items to avoid being flagged down, charged, and detained.
They should also avoid carrying heavy baggage to avoid stress while on travel.
Peaceful Undas
Col. Antonietto Cañete, chief of the Cebu City police, said no untoward incident has been reported as major cemeteries here opened Friday for the influx of people visiting their departed relatives.
Cañete also visited Piers 1 and 3 to ensure the safety and security of passengers waiting for their voyage to their respective home towns via sea travel.
He said local police manning the gates of major cemeteries confiscated prohibited items, such as lighters, knives, and other sharp objects.
Cañete said 2,000 police personnel were securing 15 public cemeteries and 11 private cemeteries here.
Personnel of the Bureau of Fire Protection, paramedics of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Philippine Red Cross, were also helping the local police maintain peace and order at the cemeteries. (PNA)