500 passengers going home to vote delayed in Matnog port

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—At least 500 passengers headed for the Visayas were delayed at the Matnog port in Sorsogon province, but authorities say shipping lines will be in operation to make sure passengers are able to make it in time before voting precincts close at 7 p.m. Monday.

The passengers are drivers and their helpers driving the 250 delayed trucks, Achilles Galindes, the acting division manager at the Philippine Ports Authority in Matnog, told Inquirer.

Aside from the 250 trucks, 15 small trucks (called “elf”) are also stranded.

In a previous report, close to 3,000 were left stranded in Matnog port due to the influx of passengers trying to make it hime to their respective hometowns for the May 9 elections.

“It was just delayed because of the volume of passengers and rolling cargoes,” Galindes said.

“Buses and private vehicles are still arriving, but they are able to board immediately. According to the shipping lines, their operations will be uninterrupted today.”

Gremil Alexis Naz, Office of Civil Defense Bicol spokesperson, said that on normal days, only 5,000 passengers arrive at Matnog port, but since May 3 (Tuesday), some 9,000 to 10,000 passengers have been arrive each day.

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