INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — A total of 123,484 passengers were monitored in all seaports nationwide on Black Saturday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said.
According to the PCG, 73,984 outbound and 49,500 inbound travelers were listed from 6 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday.
To ensure the safety of passengers, the PCG deployed 2,779 frontline personnel in its 15 districts. These personnel also inspected 453 vessels and 1,954 motorbancas.
The agency also placed its districts, stations, and sub-stations on heightened alert in preparation for the influx of more passengers until April 10.
The heightened alert will extend throughout summer break or May 31 to manage local tourists traveling by sea for recreational purposes, the PCG said in a statement.
Moreover, it advised the public to coordinate with PCG personnel through its official Facebook page or the Coast Guard Public Affairs (0927-560-7729) for inquiries regarding “sea travel protocols and regulations during Holy Week and summer vacation this year.”
On Good Friday, the agency monitored over 64,000 passengers in the country’s seaports.