ILOILO City – The Philippine Coast Guard has gone on full alert across Western Visayas, deploying hundreds of personnel and activating Malasakit Help Desks as thousands of passengers began flooding ports ahead of the Holy Week peak travel period.
Authorities said intensified operations are now in full swing under “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2026,” with all stations and sub-stations placed on heightened alert from March 28 to April 5 to ensure safe and orderly movement of travelers.
From 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. on April 1 alone, the Coast Guard District Western Visayas (CGDWV) recorded 2,163 outbound passengers and 2,609 inbound passengers, signaling the start of the annual Holy Week exodus.
To manage the surge, the Coast Guard deployed 416 frontline personnel across key ports, conducted inspections on vessels and motorbancas, and monitored hundreds of rolling cargoes moving alongside passenger traffic.
Despite the spike in activity, authorities reported no maritime incidents during the monitoring period.
Earlier, the Coast Guard began rolling out safety measures, strategically positioning personnel in major ports and passenger terminals while activating Malasakit Help Desks to provide immediate assistance, including medical response, especially for vulnerable travelers such as senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities.
“In preparation for the upcoming Holy Week observance (Semana Santa) and the Summer Vacation season, the public is strongly encouraged to prioritize safety while traveling,” the Coast Guard said.
Passengers were urged to observe safety protocols, including checking weather conditions, ensuring proper registration in passenger manifests, avoiding prohibited items, and staying alert throughout their journey.
Authorities also reminded travelers to avoid alcohol consumption while traveling, familiarize themselves with emergency exits, and immediately report suspicious or unusual incidents to vessel crews.
“In case maka-encounter any travel-related incidents, emergencies, or urgent concerns, please report them immediately through the official hotlines. Your prompt reporting can help authorities respond quickly and ensure the safety of everyone during this busy travel period,” CGDWV added.
The Coast Guard emphasized that public cooperation remains crucial to maintaining safety as port operations continue to intensify during the Holy Week rush.
DOTr Action Center Hotline
* (02) 7890
* (02) 762-6254
* 0920-964-3687
PCG Hotline
* 8527-3877
* 8527-8481
* 0966-217-9610
CGDWV Hotline
* 323-5289
* 0931-713-7123
“Your prompt reporting can help authorities respond quickly and ensure the safety of everyone during this busy travel period,” said CDG-WV./PN
