By Cindy Ferrer/PNA
ILOILO CITY — Stranded passengers were on their way to their respective destinations after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 6 (Western Visayas) allowed the resumption of all boat trips in the region on Saturday morning.
Lt. Commander Ramil Palabrica, spokesperson of PCG-6, said the boats started leaving at 8 a.m. after Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 was lifted in the region as Tropical Depression Usman weakened into a low-pressure area (LPA).
“Our passengers who have stayed at our ports these past days have already traveled to their destinations, especially that most of them are going home to spend the New Year,” he said in an interview.
Palabrica said stranded passengers in the region grew to about 1,440 as of 4 a.m. Saturday and 840 of them were at the Dumangas Port. He assured that boats and vessels could accommodate all stranded passengers.
The Coast Guard, Palabrica said, continues with its strict pre-departure inspection to ensure the safety of the passengers.
“We need to avoid overloading and we want our boat operators to secure the lifejackets of our passengers,” he said.
Palabrica also advised small fishing boats to avoid venturing out due to unfavorable sea condition.
The cancellation of boat trips here began on December 27 after Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan and northern Negros were placed under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 due to “Usman”.
Meanwhile, PCG-6’s “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe” remains active until Jan. 5, 2019 to ensure peace and order in Western Visayas’ ports and terminals.
Palabrica said Passengers Assistance Desks (PADs) are still operational in all ports to help passengers, as well as take care of their complaints and concerns.
They are expecting an influx of passengers this weekend.
