Maritime Security in the Philippines

The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) 7 yesterday warned shipping companies that all passengers, including those with cars or riding on Ceres buses, of board RoRo vessels must undergo security check as required by law.

Marina 7 safety specialist Mardon Martin issued the warning after Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIA) General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said that when they attended the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting in Dumaguete City two weeks ago, their vehicle was allowed to roll straight to the RoRo vessels without its passengers being checked.

“All the passengers should disembark from the buses or cars and go to the passenger terminal for security screening. They cannot go directly to the vessel,” Villarete said.

Villate said that under the law, passengers are not allowed to stay in the bus or car when the Roro vessel is sailing.

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Article written by Elias O. Baquero, courtesy of Sun Star, Cebu.