Barangay officials in Dagupan City have warned boatmen against drinking alcohol while operating boats, following repeated complaints from residents about intoxicated boat operators traveling to island barangays.

Barangay 1 Chairman Herminigildo Rosal said his office had received reports in recent years about boatmen allegedly under the influence of alcohol while ferrying passengers. In response, barangay officials called in the boat operators one by one to address the complaints and to ensure passenger safety.

“Binigyan ko sila ng tent tapos doon na sila umiinom kaya sabi ko kung ipagpatuloy niyo ‘yan, kukunin ko ‘yang mga tent. Sabi ko sa kanila kung may magreklamo pa sa inyo, alam na ninyo mangyayari,” Rosal said.

The barangay chairman said boatmen caught drunk or who had consumed alcohol would no longer be allowed to travel.

Some boatmen admitted that drinking alcohol while waiting for passengers had been a common practice, but said they had stopped after barangay officials spoke to them.

“Syempre alam na namin gagawin para sa safety ng pasahero,” Arellano Cerezo, a boatman, said.

Travellers welcomed the move, saying it would make them feel safer during boat trips.

“Syempre bawal sila uminom para sa safety ng pasahero. Matakot din ang mga pasahero kapag nakainom sila,” Johnny Cerezo, a traveller, said.

Aside from barangay officials, police officers regularly patrol boat docking areas to monitor the situation and ensure public safety, authorities said.