Nearly 1.2 million passengers monitored at ports so far amid Undas 2026 —PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has monitored nearly 1.2 million passengers at ports nationwide as of Monday morning, November 2, amid the influx of travelers during the Undas 2026 long weekend.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said port operations have generally been smooth despite several maritime incidents reported in recent days.

“As we speak, halos 1.2 million na po ang pasaherong ating na-monitor sa lahat ng pantalan,” Cayabyab told Unang Balita in an interview.

(As we speak, we have already monitored almost 1.2 million passengers at all ports.)

The passenger count is still lower than the approximately 1.5 million recorded during the same period last year. However, Cayabyab said the PCG expects the number to increase as Oplan Biyaheng Ayos remains in effect until Tuesday, November 3.

A surge of returning passengers is expected on Monday, particularly after lunch, according to the PCG official.

Arrive early

Cayabyab reminded the public to purchase tickets early and arrive at ports ahead of their scheduled departure to allow sufficient time for security inspections.

“Iwasang magdala ng mga pinagbabawal na mga items, 'yung matulis, flammable, explosive kasi definitely bawal pong isakay 'yan sa ating sasakyang pandagat,” she said.

(Avoid bringing prohibited items, such as sharp, flammable, explosive items, because these are definitely not allowed on board our vessels.)

“At palagi pong sumunod sa mga instructions, particularly 'yung pagsusuot po ng life jacket para masigurado po ang ating kaligtasan,” she added.

(And always follow instructions, particularly, wearing a life jacket to ensure our safety.)

Meanwhile, the PCG is investigating the near-sinking of motor banca M/B Rose Marie One off Dalupiri Island in Calayan, Cagayan, on Saturday, October 31.

“Ang naging reason ng insidente base sa report na natanggap natin, may mga sakay itong livestock. So may tendency kasing gumalaw ito sa loob ng kanyang motorbanca. Pero may nabuksan na isang parang close na ano sa may cargo area. So ito 'yung nag-cause ng pagpasok ng sea water,” she said.

(The reason for the incident, based on the report we received, was that there were livestock on board. So these had a tendency to move around inside the motorbanca. But something that looked like a closed door in the cargo area opened so this is what caused the sea water to enter the vessel.)

She said the incident was reported early so the Coast Guard responded immediately and rescued the crew members. —KG, GMA News