Vessel catches fire while anchored in Occidental Mindoro

A vessel caught fire while loading passengers and cargo while anchored at Abra de Ilog Port in Occidental Mindoro on Wednesday.

According to Oscar Oida’s report in “Saksi”, the Philippine Coast Guard Southern Tagalog said the fire broke out at the MV RORO Master 2’s deck generator at around 9 a.m.

No one from the vessel’s 34 crew members and 33 passengers were hurt.

Authorities are now investigating the cause of the fire.

Passengers gear up for Holy Week

Meanwhile, several passengers have already been flocking to various ports in the country to avoid the rush during the Holy Week.

The Philippine Port Authority said that almost two million passengers are expected to travel via ports from April 14 to 20.

“Ito po’y bunsod na nagsabay po kasi itong Holy Week saka ‘yung summer season from last year po it’s March and ngayon po April so karamihan sa mga kababayan natin, ‘yung iba po isasabay na ‘yung travel nila sa bakasyon ngayon pong Holy Week,” said PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte.

(This is because this Holy Week coincides with the summer season. It was in March last year  and the Holy Week this year falls in April. So most of our countrymen, while others will be traveling during their vacation this Holy Week.)

PITX warning

The Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) warned the public of a fake website that has been going around.

The PITX management advised travelers that its only website is www.pitx.ph. It added that passengers should only book their trips in terminals and bus companies to avoid being scammed.

Airline companies are also preparing for the influx of travelers. Free shuttles will also be made available to easily transport passengers between airport terminals.

Further, around 150,000 tourists are expected to spend the Holy Week in Baguio City. But the city’s tourism office reminded the public to book their accommodations on legitimate websites.

“We have a tourist support platform. Our FB page is active 24/7, so they can just message anytime. We have agents who can address their concerns,” said Baguio City Tourism Officer Alec Mapalo. — Vince Angelo Ferreras/BAP, GMA Integrated News