Smooth operation in ports as PCG gears up for return of holiday travelers
A Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) inspects passengers at the North Port Passenger Terminal in Tondo, Manila on Dec. 31, 2025. (Photo: PCG)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported smooth and orderly port operations nationwide on New Year’s Day, Jan. 1, as no passengers were stranded in any major or minor port despite heavy holiday travel.
PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said the Coast Guard did not receive any report of stranded passengers, even in the busy ports of Batangas, Romblon, and Quezon. She also denied claims that thousands were left waiting at ports during the holiday rush.
“Wala po tayong natatanggap na report na may stranded sa anumang pantalan nationwide (We have not received any report of stranded passengers at any port nationwide),” Cayabyab said in a radio interview with 105.9 True FM.
From 6 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday, the PCG monitored 23,525 outbound passengers and 18,528 inbound passengers across all ports nationwide.
The PCG also inspected 204 passenger vessels and 512 motorbancas during the same period. Inspections were conducted by the 16 Coast Guard districts nationwide as part of intensified safety checks under Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2025.
However, PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has ordered free transport using Coast Guard vessels in the coming days in anticipation of the influx of returning holiday travelers to Metro Manila and other major areas, depending on the availability of their ships.
The PCG said it will strictly enforce vessel capacity limits to prevent overcrowding until Jan. 4.
“All vessels will undergo intensified inspection before departure. Kung ano lang ang kapasidad ng barko, iyon lang ang isasakay (Only the vessel’s authorized capacity will be allowed to board),” Cayabyab said.
She added that K9 working dogs remain deployed in major ports to support the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) in baggage inspections and enhanced port security during the peak travel period.
The PCG placed all its districts, stations, and sub-stations on heightened alert from December 20, 2025 until January 4, 2026 to manage passenger volume and ensure maritime safety during the holidays.
It advised sea travelers to coordinate with its official Facebook page or the Coast Guard Public Affairs Service hotline at 0927-560-7729 for inquiries and concerns related to sea travel protocols.