OCTOBER 28, 2015, MANILA—A couple of days before the Halloween break, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has started to implement stricter security checks to complement the initiatives being imposed by the Philippine Coast Guard and the Maritime Industry Authority
The tigher security checks are also in preparation for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) meeting, which will be held in Manila on November 18-19, 2015.
PPA General Manager Juan C. Sta. Ana, explained that a surge in passenger volume is still expected nationwide despite being a regular weekend.
He added that the long queuing of passenger and cargo movements would continue in preparation for the long weekend brought about by the APEC meeting, which was declared by Malacanang as non-working holidays.
“We can’t take for granted the security of our ports. We should always be cautious and alert,” Sta. Ana added.
“I have already ordered our port managers to take all the necessary measures to reduce the inconvenience and to make sure that our ports are safe at all times,” Sta. Ana explained.
“The Manila ports are likewise advised to take additional security measures due to its proximity to the venue of the APEC meeting and I urge cargo owners to withdraw cargoes as early as possible to avoid possible delays brought about by the event,” Sta. Ana stressed.
The action plans, on the other hand, include enhanced security procedures through maximum utilization of walk-through and baggage x-ray machines, walk through metal detectors, utilization of K-9 Units as well as continuing visibility of PPA Police and security guards within the port area and PTBs.
A well-ventilated Passenger Terminal building with clean comfort rooms, nursing stations and other travel amenities. Round-the-clock Medical and Passenger Assistance Counters and Passenger Help Desks ready to assist will also be provided.
To further enhance the procedures, PPA is asking the passengers to segregate and declare metallic objects and bladed tools for industry use so that such items can be tagged, then turned over for safekeeping and to be retrieved at the port of destination by the owner.
Vessel operators, on the other hand, are also advised to actively assist in the information dissemination in the event that vessels have to stop issuance of tickets for whatever reason and to provide information as to when the affected passengers can be accommodated in the succeeding trips.