Passenger traffic in ports nationwide eased days after Christmas as the Philippine Coast Guard reported significantly lower sea travel volume on Sunday, Dec. 28, under Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2025.

From 12 midnight to 6 a.m., the PCG recorded 35,346 outbound passengers and 28,996 inbound passengers across all ports.

PCG personnel from 16 districts inspected 231 vessels and 131 motorbancas during the same period to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said monitoring showed fewer passengers in ports and no stranded travelers.

She said port congestion had peaked before Christmas where passenger volume surged on Dec. 23 and 24 but the PCG did not record any stranded passengers during those days.

“Based on our monitoring, the number of passengers in ports has slightly decreased and we have not recorded any stranded passengers,” Cayabyab said.

“However, as we approach the New Year, we expect a situation similar to what happened before Christmas when ports were crowded with passengers. The Philippine Coast Guard is fully prepared for this,” she added.

The Dec. 28 figures came after heavy port traffic throughout Dec. 27 where the PCG monitored 218,570 outbound passengers and 201,621 inbound passengers nationwide. A total of 1,528 vessels and 2,065 motorbancas were inspected as authorities managed the holiday rush.

Cayabyab said the PCG remains ready for another surge heading into the New Year. She said the Coast Guard is prepared to deploy its own vessels if passengers become stranded.

Despite the slowdown, the PCG said heightened alert status remains in effect in all districts, stations, and sub-stations until Jan. 4, 2026. The measure aims to manage continued holiday travel and ensure passenger safety during the year-end period.

“Under the heightened alert status, all our personnel are on alert and on standby, along with our floating assets and all available resources. Safety measures are being intensified, including vessel inspections before departure and the conduct of security inspections. We are not only deploying personnel, as K9 working dogs are also involved in carrying out security inspections,” Cayabyab noted.

Meanwhile, the PCG said it has not recorded any maritime or unusual incidents during the holiday season but drowning incidents in some coastal areas remain a concern. It said these incidents are often linked to swimming while intoxicated.

“As part of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos, we are not only manning the ports but are also deploying rescue teams and lifeguards in coastal beaches. What we are doing is continuously reminding people in coastal areas not to engage in any water activities, particularly when they have been drinking alcohol, to prevent incidents. The presence and deployment of lifeguards are important,” Cayabyab said.