PCG records more than 33K outbound passengers on Holy Wednesday

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recorded more than 33,000 outbound passengers across the country on Wednesday as Filipinos trooped to the provinces for Holy Week. 

As of 12 noon Wednesday, a total of 33,394 outbound passengers and 25,048 inbound passengers were monitored by the PCG. 

The PCG also deployed at least 2,252 frontline personnel in 15 Coast Guard districts and inspected a total of 324 vessels and 571 motorbancas.

It had placed districts, stations, and sub-stations on heightened alert from April 8 to 18 to manage the influx of port passengers.

“It will also cover the length of summer vacation in anticipation of local tourists who will travel by sea for recreational purposes until May 31, 2022,” it added.

The PCG also advised passengers to coordinate through its official Facebook page or Coast Guard Public Affairs at 0927-560-7729 for concerns and clarifications on sea travel protocols and regulations during Holy Week and summer vacation.

Shipping, fishing operations resume in all ports nationwide

The PCG also announced that shipping and fishing operations nationwide have resumed as Tropical Depression Agaton dissipated on Wednesday morning.

“All passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers, as well as vessels, motorbancas, and rolling cargoes that were stranded due to #AgatonPH have been allowed to travel by sea,” the Coast Guard said in a separate maritime advisory.

Weather bureau PAGASA, however, said scattered rain showers will still prevail over Quezon, the Bicol Region, Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Visayas.

PAGASA advised mariners of small seacraft to remain in port or take shelter, while those operating larger vessels are advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea and, if possible, avoid navigating in these conditions. —VBL, GMA News