Up to 2M passengers in seaports expected for Undas 2026, says PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Tuesday that up to two million sea passengers are expected to travel during the observance of Undas 2026, similar to the recorded volume last year.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said around 17,000 personnel will be deployed nationwide, together with the agency’s sea and air assets and radio equipment.

“Last year po… halos 1.5 million po ang ating na-monitor na byahero sa lahat po ng pantalan. So this year we will be anticipating the same number or baka maglaro pa po ito hanggang 2 million na pasahero,” Caybyab said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

(Last year, we monitored nearly 1.5 million travelers across all ports. So this year, we are anticipating the same number, or it could even reach up to 2 million passengers.)

Caybyab said the Coast Guard, including its stations and substations, will be placed on heightened alert status from October 29 to November 3 in anticipation of the influx of passengers at seaports.

PCG will also activate its deployable response group composed of rescue swimmers and medical nurses to assist travelers.

According to the Coast Guard, under heightened alert status, passengers can expect stricter security and safety measures, from port inspections to observing safety compliance on vessels.

“We will be intensifying the conduct of the pre-departure inspection. So ibig sabihin po niyan, we will not allow any vessels po na magsasakay ng lagpas na pasahero sa kanilang itinakdang kapasidad,” Caybayab said.

(We will be intensifying the conduct of pre-departure inspections. This means we will not allow any vessel to board passengers beyond its authorized carrying capacity.)

“Maglalagay rin po tayo ng ating mga Coast Guard K-9 dogs sa lahat po ng major ports para po mag-asiste sa pagco-conduct ng security inspection, particularly po sa ating mga bagahe,” she added.

(We will also deploy Coast Guard K-9 dogs to all major ports to assist in conducting security inspections, particularly for baggage.)

The PCG advised passengers who will board at major ports to arrive at least two to three hours before their scheduled departure to avoid delays due to thorough inspections.

The agency also encouraged travelers on board to report if they experience any safety violations, such as a failure to conduct safety briefings on the boat, using QR codes displayed inside the vessels.

To ensure passenger safety, Cayabyab said assistance desks will be set up at ports where passengers can inquire about travel details, request medical assistance, or report emergencies.

Typhoon

Meanwhile, following the entry of Super Typhoon Rosal in the Philippine Area of Responsibility. the PCG said it is continuously monitoring forecasts and coordinating with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) for possible trip cancellations.

“Patuloy rin po ang ating pagbabantay at pagmo-monitor sa nilalabas na weather update ng PAGASA,” Cayabyab said.

(We are also continuously monitoring the weather updates issued by PAGASA.)

“‘Pag may itataaas na po na Wind Signal, kahit Wind Signal No.1 lang po ito… ang barko po, ang pantalan na panggagalingan at pupuntahan po ng mga barko… definitely ica-cancel po natin o isu-suspend po natin lahat ng trips nila,” she added.

(Once a Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal is raised—even if it is only Wind Signal No. 1—trips for vessels originating from or heading to affected ports will definitely be canceled or suspended.)

The PCG advised all passengers to check the weather forecast before leaving home on the day of their trip.

The public was also warned against riding colorum motorboats, as these lack proper life-saving equipment, which could compromise the safety of its passenger. —RF, GMA News