(UPDATE) THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has declared heightened alert status for the implementation of Oplan Balik Eskwela 2022 from August 15 to 29.

Admiral Artemio Abu, PCG commandant, on Tuesday said the PCG will coordinate with the Philippine Ports Authority and the Cebu Ports Authority for the 24/7 operations of the Department of Transportation (DoTr) Malasakit help desks (MHDs) in major ports, harbors and other maritime transport facilities where heavy influx of passengers is expected because of the resumption of classes.