In the name of public service and as part of its commitment to ensure the security and comfort of passengers in the ports especially during peak passenger seasons particularly the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, the PMO Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro has implemented once again the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos-Undas from 24 October to 06 November 2018.

Under the Oplan, tighter security measures were undertaken by the PMO MOC in coordination with LGUs, civic groups, other maritime agencies and law enforcement units to maximize safety and surveillance inside and within the area directly outside the port. PMO MOC had maintained direct communication lines with its Command Center and the PPA Head Office for monitoring of port situation 24/7. Hotline numbers and feedback mechanisms were made available to ensure immediate responses. Ensuring enough manpower complement to man the ports during the period, there were no major/unusual incidents recorded by the Port Police Division during the entire duration of the observance of Undas.

Also part of the Oplan was the establishment of a Passenger Help Desk Assistance Center at the Baseport Passenger Terminal Complex as well as in the ports under PMO MOC—Balingoan, Benoni and Balbagon. The Help Desks were manned by its personnel and volunteer employees, and personnel and volunteers from other agencies such as Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), PNP Maritime Group, PNP PRO 10, PNP Police Station 5, PNP RMU 10, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), Task Force Oro, National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and amateur radio club members in Cagayan de Oro City  who were assigned in different time slots from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, to address inquiries and provide assistance and immediate action to the passengers’ concerns.

To provide more convenience to the passengers, the ports also offered free drinking water, first aid services, a mobile phone at the Help Desk for free calls, and a charging area for portable gadgets.  A large tarpaulin of vessels’ schedules was displayed near the entrance gate for the passengers’ guidance and a security-check fast lane service was also established for PWDs, pregnant women or child bearing. —IMR Lam