MANILA, Philippines — More than 1.6 million Filipinos are expected to travel by sea on All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, prompting the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to stay on high alert starting today.
The PPA expects passenger traffic in ports to reach 1.62 million until Nov. 4, or a five-percent increase from 1.54 million in 2023.
Based on forward bookings, Panay would dock the most number of passengers during Undas, PPA general manager Jay Santiago told The STAR.
Ports in Batangas, Mindoro, Siquijor, Bohol and Bicol will be swamped with travelers, Santiago noted.
Amid the destruction left by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine, the PPA expects a surge in sea travelers.
The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is also preparing for an influx of passengers.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines reminded passengers to plan their trips.
Low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific is anticipating around one million travelers during the period.
After Undas, passenger volume is expected to increase at the NAIA Terminal 2 as island carriers from Terminal 4 will be transferred.
Cebu Pacific’s regional carriers AirSWIFT Transport Inc. and Cebgo are relocating flights to Terminal 2, vacating Terminal 4 to make way for its rehabilitation as part of the P170.6-billion NAIA upgrade.
Redevelopment of Terminal 4 is expected to be completed within the first quarter of 2025.
SPD deployment
Meanwhile, the Southern Police District will deploy more than 2,600 personnel for the Undas break.
Up to 2,627 police personnel will be deployed to 26 cemeteries, 20 columbaria, key border points and major transport hubs such as bus terminals, airports as well as Metro Rail Transit and Light Rail Transit stations.
Security measures include checkpoints, anti-crime operations, foot and mobile patrols, tactical motorcycle units and a quick response team featuring Special Weapons and Tactics and K9 units.
Medical teams will be on standby.
“Public safety is our priority. We encourage everyone to remain alert and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or assistance desk. By working together, we can ensure a peaceful and safe Undas,” SPD director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang said.
The SPD covers the cities of Taguig, Muntinlupa, Parañaque, Las Piñas, Pasay, Makati and the municipality of Pateros. — Daphne Galvez