By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

With holiday travelers currently flocking to sea terminals throughout Negros Occidental ahead of the Christmas holiday, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Bacolod station commander, Lieutenant Senior Grade Jimmy Oliver Vingno, reported the number of passengers and vehicles at the Bredco port has doubled as of yesterday afternoon, with more expected as Christmas Day approaches.

He noted, the threat of Tropical Storm Vinta is encouraging passengers to leave sooner than later as it is expected to strike southern Negros sometime over the weekend, which may lead to passengers being stranded.

The PCG station commander also cautioned travelers to closely monitor weather reports, noting all sea travel would be suspended if the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) declares a Storm Signal over Negros and Panay.

As for the current situation at the ports, Vingno said they have not recorded any incidents and travelers have remained cooperative with the strict inspections being carried out by the PCG and police./DGB, WDJ