(Photo from Philippine Ports Authority)
MANILA, Philippines — On the first few hours of Good Friday, a total of 64,156 passengers were monitored in all ports across the country, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
The PCG said a total of 34,884 outbound passengers and 29,272 inbound passengers were recorded from 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. on Friday.
A total of 2,666 frontline personnel in 15 PCG districts were deployed and inspected 293 vessels and 615 motorbancas.
The PCG has also placed its districts, stations, and sub-stations on “heightened alert” to manage the influx of port passengers during the Holy Week break from April 2 to 10.
“It will also cover the length of summer vacation in anticipation of local tourists traveling by sea for recreational purposes until 31 May 2023,” it said in a statement.
The PCG advused the public to coordinate with the agency through its official Facebook page or the Coast Guard Public Affairs (0927-560-7729) for inquiries, concerns, and clarifications regarding sea travel protocols and regulations during Holy Week and summer vacation this year.
On early morning of Holy Wednesday, the PCG said over 35,000 passengers flocked to all ports in the country.
The port of Batangas was packed with some 5,800 passengers by noontime on Holy Wednesday, the PCG added.