Passengers' trip canceled due to 3 COVID-19 cases among ship's crew

Passengers of a 2GO vessel bound for Cebu and Cagayan De Oro were disappointed that they wouldn't make it to their destinations in time for the New Year's Eve.

According to Jonathan Andal report on "24 Oras", the vessel's transport of passengers was cancelled after three of its crew tested positive for COVID-19.

The ship went on with its trip but only carried cargo.

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Jay Daniel Santiago explained that this was part of protocol to ensure the safety of crew members and passengers.

2GO said it was working with authorities in handling the situation.

"2G0 is in close coordination with the Philippine Ports Authority, MARINA and Philippine Coast Guard on the handling and monitoring of the status and health of the crew," it said in a statement.

Accommodations were provided for those who would stay at the port while waiting for their trip.

There is also a lack of ships after Typhoon Odette destroyed several vessels in Visayas and Mindanao, said Santiago.

"Although ang MARINA, nagbigay na ng special permits, kulang pa rin... Mas kulang tayo sa Batangas... Basically, kalahati lang ng dating bumibiyaheng barko ang bumibiyahe ngayon,"  Santiago said.

(MARINA gave special permits; there is still a lack of ships. We are scarce in Batangas. Basically, our ships were half of what we have prior to Odette.) —Consuelo Marquez/NB, GMA News