Long queues formed at the Buenavista Port in Guimaras as only half of the number of fiber boats serving the Iloilo City route remain in operation, causing delays for passengers, especially students and workers.

Passengers traveling between Buenavista, Guimaras and Iloilo City said they have been waiting much longer than usual because only four of the eight fiber boats operated by Bamosa Marine Transport Corporation are currently allowed to sail.

The reduced number of trips has affected commuters who cross daily for work and school.

"Palagi akong tumatawid, mahirap talaga. Halos mahigit one hour ang fiber, tapos pagdating dito, pila na naman," Charmaine Gaylan, a traveler, said.

"Kung nagmamadali ka, made-delay talaga lalo na kung nag-aaral at nagtatrabaho," Connie Belarmino, another traveller, added.

According to Bamosa Marine Transport Corporation dispatcher Joseph Sagre, four vessels remain out of service because their operating documents have expired.

"Ang iba hindi pa dumadating ang dokumento. Mga expired pa, kaya hindi makabiyahe," Sagre said.

He said the company has yet to complete the documentary requirements of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Region VI, preventing the affected vessels from resuming operations.

Among the required documents are the as-built plan, damage control plan, damage stability calculation booklet, and other technical requirements. The vessels' safety certificates also expired while they were undergoing dry docking.

MARINA Region VI spokesperson, Atty. Nicole Marie Iragana Amuan-Arpa, said the company must first comply with several major requirements before the vessels can be cleared to operate.

"Main reason talaga kasi merong for compliance pa silang major deficiencies nila after ng drydocking na kailangan nilang i-submit," Amuan-Arpa said.