Coast Guard imposes 48-hour advance notice from ship agents

Last weekend's foiled terrorist attack on the United States has prompted the Philippine Coast Guard to require ship agents to submit their list of passengers, crew and cargo 48 hours in advance. The requirement was one of the target-hardening measures adopted by the Coast Guard, which earlier said it is coordinating with other law enforcement agencies to prevent a terrorist attack on the Philippines. "Strictly require ships’ agent to submit Advance Notice of Arrivals of ship engaged in international trade at least 48 hours prior to their arrival inclusive of ship’s voyage particulars, complete list of crew/ persons on board and cargo on board as basis among others, in the conduct of port state control inspection," the Coast Guard said on its website Monday. All operating units shall be equipped, and to widely disseminate the military's updated Order of Battle and the police's watch list. Earlier in the day, airport authorities in Manila were placed on "heightened vigilance" against possible terrorist attacks after a terror plot was foiled in the US. (See: Manila airport security on alert after foiled US terror attack) But Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Jose Angel Honrado said they decided against instituting added security measures lest these cause unnecessary panic among the public. Bombs, explosives Citing reports last weekend, the Coast Guard noted the foiled terrorist plot involved bombs and explosive parcels on board US-bound cargo planes. It said all Coast Guard districts, stations and detachments are directed to be more vigilant and to remain very strict in the implementation of duly established layers of security in ports and aboard ships. PCG personnel are to closely coordinate with shipping, port authorities, local military and police units, and other cognizant agencies. Also, the Coast Guard ordered a more strategic deployment and employment of boarding teams, sea marshals, K9s, Special Operation Groups, Explosives and Ordnance Division, Anti-Terrorist Unit personnel, Field Station operatives, and sustained conduct of seaborne patrols. — RSJ, GMANews.TV