PCG: Outbound passenger numbers

in Negros Occidental, Iloilo increasing

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yesterday reported the number of outbound passengers in Negros Occidental and Iloilo has started increasing ahead of the Holy Week observance.

Based on data released by the PCG, as of 12:00 noon yesterday, as many as 2,432 passengers have already passed through various ports in Negros Occidental, while between 2,800 to 3,000 passengers were recorded at various ports in Iloilo.

The PCG also informed sea travelers to regularly monitor weather bulletins issued by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), especially as they are monitoring a tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).

The storm, however, is not expected to strike the country, although occasional rains are expected for the next few days.

The PCG also appealed for travelers to line up in an orderly manner when boarding passenger ships, in order to help ferry operators depart on schedule.

Personnel have also deployed K-9 units to inspect baggage for any contraband.

In addition, ships are also being inspected before being allowed to depart.

Meanwhile, the PCG is strictly ensuring no colorum sea vessels are in operation./DGB, WDJ