PCG: 3 million passengers expected in seaports for Holy Week 2026

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is operating around the clock in seaports across the country as about 3 million passengers are expected to travel for the Holy Week, spokesperson Commodore Noemi Cayabyab said Sunday.

“Nakikita ng PCG na halos maglalaro pa rin tayo sa halos 3 million [na dami ng mga pasahero] na na-monitor natin [gaya] last year,” Cayabyab told Super Radyo dzBB

(The PCG expects about 3 million passengers, similar to last year.)

PCG has so far recorded 390,000 inbound and outbound passengers in ports nationwide, according to Cayabyab.

She said an influx of passengers is expected to peak on Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday afternoon. Maundy Thursday and Good Friday were declared regular holidays, while Black Saturday is a special non-working day.

“Pagdating sa deployment ng ating mga barko, partikular ngayong Semana Santa, ang priority ng PCG ay ang pagko-conduct ng security patrol, search and rescue mission. Tayo ay nag-activate ng deployable response group,” Cayabyab said.

(When it comes to deploying our vessels, especially this Holy Week, PCG's priority is to conduct security patrols and search and rescue missions. We have activated a deployable response group.)

PCG earlier said it will deploy 17,000 personnel across the country to ensure maritime safety and security amid the expected surge of travelers during the Holy Week.

The Coast Guard also intensified its inspection of vessels to avoid sea tragedy, Cayabyab said in the dzBB interview.

In February, the ill-fated M/V Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off Basilan waters, resulting in at least 65 fatalities.

The Department of Transportation had said overloading was one of the potential causes of the sinking of M/V Trisha Kerstin 3. —KG, GMA Integrated News