With tens of thousands of Filipinos expected to return to the provinces for the observance of Holy Week, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Wednesday cautioned passengers against less than reliable inter-island vessels and fly-by-night shipping companies.
PCG commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena issued the warning as the Coast Guard anticipates an influx of unlicensed or “colorum” ships plying the Visayas and Mindanao routes over the next few days. He explained that there are unscrupulous individuals are willing to sacrifice the safety and lives of passengers in exchange for money.
The Holy Week period is considered one of the busiest travel seasons all over the Philippines. According to a Manila Bulletin report, the number of ship passengers have already increased by 40 to 80 percent during the summer break.
Aside from the warnings, the Coast Guard has also beefed up security and visibility in all port terminals.
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