The Land Transportation Office and the Philippine Coast Guard remain on alert as passengers coming from their holiday vacations flock at seaports and bus terminals in Bacolod City.

There were long lines of passengers bound for Panay Island at fastcraft and roll-on-roll-off vessel ticketing booths at the BREDCO port in Bacolod City yesterday.

Lt. Commander Glen Daraug, PCG-Bacolod chief, said there are enough sea vessels to transport all the passengers from Negros Occidental to Panay Island.

But to ensure the safety of the travellers, PCG’s “Oplan Ligtas Christmas” will still be in effect until January 6, he said.

Daraug said their assistance desks in seaports will also continue to help passengers with their needs. The PCG K-9 units are also ensuring that no contrabands are transported on sea vessels, he said.

They are also checking the sea-worthiness of the vessels and seeing to it that they are not overloaded before allowing them to sail, he added.

There were no serious maritime incidents recorded during the holidays but a roll-on-roll-off vessel reportedly deviated from its route because of zero visibility, causing it to be delayed for almost four hours on December 31.

The ship captain of LCT Navy Star, identified as Ludivino Orcia, is now in the custody of PCG in Iloilo and is under investigation, Daraug said

All the 24 passengers and crew of the ship have been accounted for, and have reached their destination while the ship will remain in the custody of PCG for further inspection, Daraug also said.

Like PCG, the LTO has deployed personnel at the highways of Negros Occidental to ensure the safety of passengers travelling by buses and for-hire vans.

Travelers who spent their holidays in Negros Occidental towns and cities continued to arrive at bus stations in Bacolod yesterday, LTO chief, Renato Novero said.

Both Novero and Daraug are urging travelers to avoid bringing prohibited items such as bladed weapons and huge bags so their boarding and alighting from the buses and sea vessels will be faster.*APN

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