In a “Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon” interview over PTV, PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said all PCG regional offices, stations and substations will be on heightened alert status from Dec. 20, 2025, until Jan. 4, 2026, based on the orders of PCG commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan.
“Nakikita po natin posibleng mamayang gabi o bukas po ng umaga dadagsain po ang ating mga pantalan ng ating mga biyahero (We expect an influx of passengers tonight or tomorrow in our ports),” Cayabyab said.
In response to the expected increase in port travelers, the PCG has partnered with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to ensure the availability of help and emergency services in key areas.
This includes the deployment of Malasakit Help Desks, medical teams and intensified vessel inspections for the safety of travelers.
“Ang istriktong direktiba po ng aming komandante ay wala po tayong ia-allow na kahit na anuman pong barko na magsasakay po ng excess passenger. We will be strictly implementing that na wala pong maglalayag na sobra po ang pasahero o wala po sa manipesto (Our commandant gave a strict order not to allow excess passengers. We will be strictly enforcing the no overloading policy and that anyone not in the ship manifest will not be allowed to board the ship),” she said.
In addition, the PCG will implement an intensified layered security in major ports, such as the deployment of K-9 units and the barring of prohibited items, including flammable and explosive materials.
“Since last year, we were able to cater a total of 5 million inbound and outbound passengers at nakita rin po natin iyong influx po ng ating kababayan sa mga coastal beaches, tayo po ay magsasagawa ng patrol araw-araw kasama po ang paglalagay po natin ng mga rescue swimmers at mga lifeguard sa mga island resorts (and we can expect an influx to coastal beaches where we’ll make daily patrols as well as deploy rescue swimmers and lifeguards in island resorts),” she said.
She reminded port passengers, especially those passing through major ports such as the Manila North Harbor, Batangas Port, Mactan Port and Zamboanga Port, to purchase their ticket as soon as possible and to arrive at the port early to account for the intensified security procedures.
