Coast Guard going on heightened alert for Undas

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will be on heightened alert starting Oct. 31 as part of security preparations for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

An influx of passengers at seaports is expected as people take advantage of the long weekend to visit their deceased loved ones.

K9 units will join security and patrol teams from Oct. 31 to Nov. 5, PCG spokesman Commodore Algier Ricafrente said yesterday.

The Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority and PCG are expected to join the Department of Transportation’s Malasakit help desks to assist the riding public.

Meanwhile, Antipolo Bishop Ruperto Santos reminded Catholics to provide a decent burial to the deceased.

“We know one of the seven corporal acts of mercy is ‘bury the dead,’” Santos told Radio Veritas on Saturday.

“Our culture is to respect our faithful departed. Even unto the grave, we give them a decent burial. This shows that we care for them, we love and are grateful for their life which they lived for us,” he said.