The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitored more than 27,000 passengers bound for provinces in various sea ports nationwide for the observance of the All Saints’ Day, November 1.
In an advisory, the PCG said that 13,573 outbound passengers – or those departing from the ports – were recorded while 14,036 inbound passengers – or those arriving at the ports – were logged as of 6 a.m.
The number of departing and arriving passengers is expected to further increase throughout the day.
This is the reason why the PCG deployed 3,894 frontline personnel in 15 PCG districts nationwide to ensure orderliness in the ports. As of writing, a total of 202 vessels and 120 motorboats were inspected by the PCG.
“The PCG has placed its districts, stations, and sub-stations on heightened alert from 31 October to 05 November 2024 to manage the influx of port passengers,” the PCG said.
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has activated the “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos” to make sure that passengers who will flock to terminals to return to their home provinces will have a safe and comfortable experience.
DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista directed the maritime sector to intensify inspection of sea vessels to ensure that they are seaworthy before sailing.
“We always remind the Coast Guard to make sure that the vessels are sea worthy and the inspection is strict,” he said during an inspection at the Manila North Port Harbor.
The transport chief added that the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) have been directed to implement their respective security measures for the safety of passengers.
Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said on Oct. 31 that it has issued 298 special permits for 796 buses going to the provinces as of Oct. 15.
More special permits will be issued in the coming days, according to LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz.
“Additional permits will be issued as the days go by. Every major terminal will be designated with an LTFRB personnel who will issue special permits in areas that will have a deficiency of bus,” Guadiz said.