ILOILO City – All five Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stations in Western Visayas remain on heightened alert this holiday season, especially with the anticipated surge of passengers during the New Year celebration.
Under the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Pasko 2024, the heightened alert status commenced on December 20 and will continue until January 3, 2025.
The five stations — Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Capiz, and Aklan — are implementing measures to ensure smooth traffic flow at ports and the safe and orderly movement of sea travelers.
The Philippine Coast Guard District – Western Visayas (CGD-WV) aims to facilitate the orderly operation of sea transport facilities, ensure convenient travel for passengers, maintain a peaceful Christmas celebration, and bolster security for tourists visiting beaches and private resorts across the region.
To support these efforts, CGD-WV has deployed frontline personnel to inspect vessels and motorbancas, ensuring they are in good condition before departure. Additionally, floating assets of the five coast guard stations are on standby to respond to emergencies.
Passenger monitoring at ports has been extensive. On December 24, CGD-WV recorded 12,564 outbound passengers and 11,368 inbound passengers. The following day, December 25, saw 6,866 outbound and 6,468 inbound travelers.
Most recently, from midnight to 6 a.m. on Sunday, December 29, the coast guard monitored 1,681 outbound passengers and 1,590 inbound passengers across all ports in the region.
CGD-WV expects a further increase in passenger volume from December 29 to January 3, with many returning to their hometowns as government offices observe a holiday break.
A significant influx of passengers is also anticipated on January 2 as travelers prepare to resume work.
These intensified efforts underscore the coast guard’s commitment to ensuring the safety and convenience of the seafaring public during the holiday rush./PN
