63K passengers flock to sea ports — PCG

Around 63,000 passengers were monitored in all sea ports around the country on Saturday, Dec. 23, as the exodus of travelers continues ahead of the celebration of Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said that a total of 36,779 outbound passengers and 26,252 inbound passengers were recorded in various sea ports from 12 midnight to 6 a.m.

The PCG deployed 2,726 frontline personnel in all 15 Coast Guard districts nationwide to augment law enforcers and ensure a safe and convenient travel for the public.

As of writing, they have inspected 275 vessels and 145 motorbancas, the PCG said.

“The PCG has placed its districts, stations, and sub-stations on heightened alert from 15 December 2023 to 03 January 2024 to manage the influx of port passengers,” PCG spokesperson Rear Adm. Armando Balilo said.

Rights of sea passenger

Meanwhile, the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) reminded the public of the rights of sea passengers as many people are expected to go to the provinces to spend the holiday break.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) – Maritime Sector informed the public about Marina Circular 2018-07, which provides a clear outline of the rights of the passengers and the obligations of the operator in cases of cancelled, delayed, or uncompleted voyages.

According to the circular, sea passengers of a canceled or delayed voyage have the right to information and the right to refund or revalidate their tickets.

It said that if sea passengers choose to revalidate their tickets, they may also avail of the right to amenities, such as snacks or meals and free accommodation, if deemed necessary, while waiting for their rescheduled trip.

It added that the right to compensation of sea passengers for a cancelled or delayed voyage applies only if the free accommodation is not practicable for the shipping operator.

Meanwhile, sea passengers of an uncompleted voyage have the right to information, right to amenities, right to compensation, as well as the right to be transported to their destination.