Fewer passengers at ports for Christmas holidays

There are fewer passengers at the country's ports on Christmas week than usual, Philippine Coast Guard spokesman Commodore Armand Balilo said Tuesday.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, Balilo said the few number of passengers could be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that travel documents are needed by most local government units if one wishes to go to his/her province.

"Hindi gaanong marami 'yung mga nagtratravel, hindi siya katulad noong mga nakaraang panahon na pagka ganitong peak season ay dagsaan na po sa mga pantalan ang mga kababayan natin na gustong umuwi sa probinsiya," Balilo said.

Balilo urged travelers to check first the travel and health requirements of the locality they intend to go to.

Despite the decrease in the number of passengers in ports, Balilo said the PCG still deployed more than 2,000 personnel to ensure the safety of travelers this Christmas and New Year.

"Nagsagawa kami ng Oplan Byaheng Ayos ngayong Pasko sapagkat kahit na kakaunti 'yung bumibiyahe, nais nating siguraduhin na hindi magkakaroon ng anumang aberya sa karagatan. Nagdeploy po tayo ng mahigit 2,000 personnel, kasama na diyan 'yung safety inspectors," Balilo said.

Sea vessels have also been inspected by authorities, Balilo said. -Anna Felica Bajo/NB, GMA News