The Philippine Coast Guard will strengthen its security alerts for the approaching Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) and Undas 2023, which will begin on October 25 until November 5.

PCG Commandant CG Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan ordered all PCG districts, stations, and substations to heighten security and safety measures at all ports nationwide.

This is to make sure of the orderly operations of sea transport facilities, convenience for the seafaring public to travel, peaceful elections, and security of tourists on beaches and private resorts amid the expected increase in the volume of maritime traffic.

Gavan added that the PCG has conducted 24/7 monitoring of nautical highway routes, particularly in the Visayas, which is a tourist destination.

He also assured to ensure maritime security and safety on the western and eastern seaboard.

The PCG Commandant said that the PCG personnel would inspect luggage, deploy K-9 units, patrol and augment lifeguards, as well as perform vessel and onboard inspections.

"We will have safety inspectors in port terminals, law enforcement teams in strategic election locations, patrol teams in critical vicinity waters, and deployable response groups on standby for possible election security augmentations and rescue missions," Gavan stressed.

The PCG will cooperate with the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in safeguarding the integrity of the BSKE and upholding the transparency of the electoral process.