PCG expects influx of passengers this weekend after 'extended' Undas break

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is expecting an influx of passengers this coming weekend as some Filipinos have extended their Undas break, according to PCG spokesperson Armand Balilo.

"Ini-expect natin na nag-extend iyong mga kababayan natin ng bakasyon. Dire-diretso na ito hanggang over the weekend. Kaya ini-expect natin na weekend pa magkakaroon ng pagtaas ng maritime traffic sa buong Pilipinas,” said Balilo in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Thursday. 

(We are expecting that our countrymen will extend their vacation until the weekend, so we are expecting an increase in maritime traffic by then.)

Heightened alert has been raised for PCG districts, stations, and substations from October 25 to November 6 to manage the influx of port passengers for Undas.

From 6 a.m. to 12 noon on Thursday, the PCG said it has monitored 56,026 outbound passengers and 45,787 inbound passengers in all ports nationwide.

A total of 3,334 personnel from 15 PCG districts have inspected 406 vessels and 1,005 motorbancas.

For inquiries, concerns, and clarifications on sea travel protocols and regulations, the PCG advised the public to coordinate with the agency through its Facebook page or at 0927-560-7729.

The observance of Undas has been generally peaceful despite some people still bringing prohibited items to the cemeteries on Wednesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Around 3 million people visited the tombs of their departed loved ones on All Saints’ Day and many are expected to flock to cemeteries on Thursday, All Souls’ Day, according to the PNP. —VAL, GMA Integrated News