PCG expects up to 2M passengers for Undas exodus

MANILA — The Philippine Coast Guard expects up to 2 million passengers who will flock to various ports in the country in observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said they have monitored 240,000 inbound and outbound passengers across ports in the country which is expected to increase over the weekend.

“Kung ikukumpara natin nung nakaraang taon ay halos 1.5 million [passsengers] po ang ating na-monitor at nabigyan ng assistance. So ngayon, ine-expect po natin na baka pumalo pa po ito ng 2 million,” Cayabyab said in a phone interview with state-run interview PTV Friday, October 30.

Almost 17,000 PCG personnel have also been deployed to various areas to conduct round-the-clock monitoring including thorough pre-departure inspections particularly on firefighting safety plan and complete lifesaving equipment.

“We are also in coordination sa mga kapitan ng barko and even the shipping company particularly sa pagsasalansan nitong mga kargamento na wala dapat mag-obstruct sa emergency exit natin,” she said.

“We will not allow any vessels or even motorboats to depart any part po na lagpas po ang kanilang kapasidad sa itinakdang bilang po,” Cayabyab added.

All PCG operating units have also been placed under full alert status starting October 29 up to November 3 to ensure safety of passengers amid the influx of passengers.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross also deployed around 2,000 personnel which include staff and volunteers to help individuals in need of medical assistance this Undas.

Philippine Red Cross Safety Services Manager Jaylord Abrigado said around 322 first aid stations have been established as well as 149 welfare desks nationwide.

The group will also deploy 69 ambulances on the ground, with 181 total of ambulance fleet on standby nationwide.

“Meron din kaming mga foot patrols na iikot sa mga malalaking sementeryo sa ating bansa,” Abrigado told PTV in a phone interview Friday.

The public may call the Philippine Red Cross through its 143 hotline.