06 DECEMBER 2023, MANILA — The Philippine Ports Authoirty (PPA) is on 'red alert' status as part of the security measures following the bomb attack in Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City on Sunday that left four people dead and a couple of others injured.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said all port employees and security personnel have been reminded through a memorandum to always remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring the safety and security of the people inside and outside of ports.
"The moment we found out na iyon nga ang nangyari at nagkaroon ng clearer picture kung ano ba ang insidente sa Marawi, immediately we ordered our port police department to put all our terminals, including the head office, at lahat ng facilities ng PPA under red alert kasi we’re very very conscious baka may ibang movements na which are coordinated with that particular happening in Marawi", said GM Santiago.
All ports of PPA in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, including the non-operational areas like the head office are now implementing increased patrols and visibility.
"We’ve never really brought down the security alert status sa ports natin. It’s always heightened alert. We’re never on relaxed mode. Ang ibig sabihin nun when we’re put on red alert, mas extensive yung security, mas marami yung presence. In fact, mas marami ang presence ng K-9. Nagpa-deploy agad tayo immediately ng at least double the presence ng K-9 natiin, para mag-deploy ng bomb-sniffing dogs in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard which provides our K-9 units. And also, mas malaki yung presence ng roving security personnel natin doon sa facilities," added GM Santiago.
Under heightened alert status, PPA is continuously in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, intelligence units, and government units to ensure shared information and join operations to address potential security risks and challenges. Up to date postings in PPA social media pages are also ensured to keep the public aware of the situation at the ports from time to time.
"Mag-ingat po tayo lalo na at marami sa mga kababayan natin nasa holiday mode na ngayong Christmas season. Mas makabubuti po na i-check palagi ang status ng byahe sa mga shipping lines bago pumunta sa pantalan at kami naman po sa PPA ay lagi namang nakahanda sa mga pasahero sakaling may mga pababago man sa byahe ng mga barko", GM Santiago concluded.
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