ILOILO City – Several major shipping lines are suspending or reducing sea trips to and from Iloilo on Good Friday, April 3, prompting authorities to urge passengers to monitor schedules closely this Holy Week.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Iloilo warned that cancellations affecting routes to Cebu, Metro Manila, and Bacolod City could disrupt thousands of travellers, especially with the expected influx of passengers beginning April 1.
PCG-Iloilo spokesperson Ens. El John Ga said several shipping companies have already announced trip cancellations to allow their crews time for religious observance during Holy Week.
Based on PCG-Iloilo monitoring as of March 31, the following operators have either reduced trips or suspended operations:
* Weesam Express will run limited trips on April 2 and suspend operations on April 3, resuming April 4.
* OceanJet will operate only two trips on April 3 before resuming normal schedules the next day.
* 2GO Travel has canceled Iloilo–Metro Manila trips on April 3.
* Cokaliong Shipping Lines has suspended Iloilo–Cebu trips on April 3, resuming April 6.
* Trans-Asia Shipping will cancel trips on April 4, resuming April 7.
* Several RORO and fastcraft services between Iloilo and Bacolod, including Tri-Stat Megalink and Montenegro Shipping, will also suspend trips on April 3.
* Seen Sam Shipping has canceled Dumangas–Banago routes from April 2 to 4.
Despite the disruptions, regular RORO and pump boat operations to Guimaras will largely continue, except for select vessels.
Ga said passenger traffic is expected to peak starting April 1 following shortened work hours in government offices and the suspension of classes.
Authorities have placed major ports across Iloilo City and province under tight monitoring as part of “Oplan Byaheng Ayos: Semana Santa at Summer Vacation 2026” to ensure safety and orderly travel during the holiday rush./PN
