PCG warns public about fly-by-night ships

CDN FILE PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine Coast Guard has advised those going away for Holy Week not to take “fly-by-night” or “colorum” interisland vessels.

The PCG also assured the public it has beefed up security at all ports with the expected influx of sea travellers.

“Those fly-by-night interisland shipping vessels do not have any insurance for their passengers and most of them have defective life rafts and life vests,” said PCG commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena.

“These colorum vessels usually appear during this season because this is an opportunity for them to make money since the major shipping lines have a hard time accommodating the huge volume of passengers,” he said.

But he assured the public that the PCG was closely monitoring these vessels.

As of posting time, many shipping lines reported being fully booked, according to the PCG.

The Coast Guard Action Center (CGAC) hotline 0917-PCG-DOTC will be open 24/7, especially during Holy Week to respond to questions and emergency calls.