Vessels allowed to unload cargo

Vessels allowed to unload cargo
March 17, 2020 https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1848927

THE Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) is allowing cargo vessels to unload their cargo here despite the ban on boat passengers from the National Capital Region and other areas in the country to prevent the entry of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

CPA general manager Leonilo Miole said: “All CPA ports will be closed off to all passenger arrivals but delivery of cargo and other supplies will not be affected. We cannot afford a ban on the arrivals of our cargoes because this will surely paralyze our supply chain.”

During the weekend, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella issued separate executive orders (EOs) regulating the entry of travelers in all ports in the province and city.

Miole said all CPA-controlled ports will no longer accept passenger vessels from outside Cebu starting Wednesday, March 18, 2020.

But considering that Cebu is a major gateway and trade channel, its ports will still accept cargo deliveries, especially if these contain food, oil products and medicines.

Both EOs issued by the City and Province specifically stated that while cargoes are still allowed to enter Cebu’s ports, cargo vessel personnel are prohibited from disembarking.

Cargo vessels will also be required by the Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to secure permits if they plan to send their crew off their vessels.

Miole said that aside from the BOQ and PCG, they are closely coordinating with the Department of Health, Bureau of Customs, Maritime Industry Authority, the Philippine National Police-Regional Maritime Unit and all vessel owners, to ensure that all ports in Cebu are still free of Covid-19.

“We ask for the utmost cooperation of the public as we continue our efforts in addressing the Covid-19 situation,” he added. (HBL / JKV)