Zamboanga port reopens Friday with tight security measures

(Updated 8:04 a.m.) - After being closed for more than two weeks, the Zamboanga City port will be partially opened Friday so passenger vessels can finally resume trips to and from the city.

 

But the local Coast Guard said security will be tight at the port, the state-run Philippines News Agency reported late Thursday.

 

It quoted Coast Guard Zamboanga station commander Lt. J.G. Joemark Angue as saying there will initially be four trips from Zamboanga to Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi provinces.

 

The trips include:

 

- Zamboanga City-Basilan via Isabela City and vice-versa, two trips daily

- Zamboanga City-Jolo, Sulu and vice-versa, one trip daily

- Zamboanga City-Bongao, Tawi-Tawi and vice-versa, one trip daily.

 

Zamboanga Port had been closed since early September, when followers of Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari engaged government forces in a standoff.

 

Government forces have since retaken most of the MNLF-controlled areas in the city.

 

Three layers of inspections

 

Meanwhile, the PNA said the Coast Guard will implement a three-layer inspection for passengers of inbound vessels.

 

These include a pre-boarding inspection from the point of origin, on-sea inspection at Sta. Cruz Islands, and arrival inspection.

 

“No vessel can sail directly to Zamboanga City without being inspected doon sa Sta. Cruz Islands,” Angue said.

 

He also said a passenger vessel must get clearance from the Naval Forces Western Mindanao command before it can sail to and from Zamboanga City.

 

Bring ID cards

 

Angue also advised travelers to bring ID cards, since a "no ID, no ticket, no entry" rule will be implemented.

 

Even private vehicles, including those of VIPs, will not be allowed to enter the port premises.

MNLF members taken into custody