MANILA, Philippines — The number of outbound passengers monitored in ports across the country on Maundy Thursday reached a total of 41,311, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Friday.
Meanwhile, inbound passengers reached 38,104, making the total number of sea travelers at 79,415.
PCG said the number of outbound passengers dropped by 15,516 while the inbounds decreased by 4,763 from those recorded on Holy Wednesday.
Frontline personnel in 15 PCG districts inspected a total of 688 vessels and 747 motorized boats.
Meanwhile, from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday, the PCG monitored a total of 27,581 passengers in seaports.
“Aside from upholding maritime security and maritime safety, the PCG also assists in the strict implementation of health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic,” it said in a statement.
The PCG has placed its districts, stations, and sub-stations on “heightened alert” to manage the influx of port passengers during the Lenten season from March 28 to April 3.
PCG said it will also cover the length of summer vacation, in anticipation of local tourists who will travel by sea for recreational purposes until May 31.