MARINA issues special permit for Batangas–Calapan route

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has allowed M/V Starlite Saga to operate on the Batangas–Calapan and vice versa route to address lack of vessels in the area amid the Holy Week exodus. 

In a statement Thursday, MARINA said it issued the special permit on April 1, 2026 "to help ensure the continued mobility of passengers and prevent congestion in major ports, particularly during peak travel periods."

“This measure aims to address the temporary loss of transport capacity following the suspension of operations of OceanJet vessels serving the same route," it added. 

M/V Starlite Saga has an authorized passenger capacity of 300.

MARINA said it continues to closely monitor vessel operations and implement necessary measures to maintain safe, efficient, and reliable maritime transport services.

Earlier, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported that there had been more than half a million passengers recorded in ports nationwide since Palm Sunday.

The PPA will continue to monitor designated ports in the country. These include Batangas Port, Calapan Port, as well as ports in Panay-Guimaras and Iloilo. —Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/AOL, GMA News