PCG: Bicol River secured from Covid suspects

CAMALIGAN, Camarines Sur---The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) substation here has assured the public that its personnel are guarding the Bicol River to prevent undocumented travelers from entering this town and nearby Naga City via water transportation amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Recently, two residents here who are bank employees working in Naga City tested positive for Covid-19.

Petty Officer 2nd Class Elmer E. Bolo, PCG-Camaligan substation chief, told Bicol Mail that boats passing through the river from neighboring towns are inspected and their crews and passengers are required to present health certificates and travel permits.

The Bicol River, one of the region’s longest river, passes through Naga City and the towns of Camaligan, Gainza, Canaman, Magarao, Calabanga, Libmanan, and ends in Cabusao, Camarines Sur, where it is connected to San Miguel Bay.

Along the San Miguel Bay shoreline are the towns of: Mercedes, Camarines Norte; Cabusao; Calabanga; Tinambac; and Siruma, where cases of Covid-19 have been recorded.

Bolo said passengers aboard boats passing through PCG station in Camaligan are required to observe health protocols such as temprature check and social distancing including wearing of face masks and life jackets.

He said a boat passenger with high body temperature is brought by PCG personnel to the Municipal Health Office for further medical check-up before allowing passenger entry to his place of destination.

The PCG has seven substations in Camarines Sur located in: Brgy. Sta. Rosa del Sur in Pasacao; Sto. Domingo in Camaligan; Siramag, Balatan; Tamban in Tinambac; Nato, Sagñay; Sabang, San Jose; and Guijalo in Caramoan.

The PCG main station in province is based San Cirilo, Pasacao town.