Philippine Coast Guard On Red Alert

The Philippine Coast Guard went on red alert Monday to avoid sea accidents because of passenger overloading for the Holy Week, PCG chief and Vice Admiral Arthur Gosingan said. "The Philippine Coast Guard wants to avoid accidents caused by overloading of passengers as much as possible. We have been strict against it," Gosingan told DZMM in an interview. Gosingan also said the PCG, Maritime Industry Authority and Philippine Ports Authority are working together to step up security in ports and ensure passenger safety at sea. He said the PCG specifically inspects passenger entry through the roll-on/roll-off system (ro-ro) or the nautical highway. "The [ro-ro] is usually fully booked as the number of passengers go beyond the capacity this season," Gosingan said.