810,828 Undas travelers flock to seaports

MANILA, Philippines — Up to 810,828 people flocked to various seaports in the past three days to travel to the provinces for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, according to the Philippine Coast Guard.

The PCG said that from Oct. 29 to 6 p.m. yesterday, there were 413,441 outbound and 379,387 inbound passengers recorded under Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Undas 2026.

From noon to 6 p.m. yesterday, the PCG recorded 64,525 outbound and 56,171 inbound passengers.

The PCG has inspected 508 vessels and 722 motorized boats ahead of the observance of Undas to ensure travel safety.

“The PCG Central Visayas district recorded the highest passenger volume with 14,825 outbound and 12,185 inbound during the monitoring period,” the PCG said.

Up to 17,000 PCG personnel were deployed to assist passengers in various ports.

PCG spokesperson Commodore Noemie Cayabyab said the agency expects the total number of passengers to reach two million.

All PCG units nationwide are on full alert from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3.

Boat sinks off Negros; 8 rescued

Meanwhile, eight people were rescued after a motorized boat capsized in the waters off Pulupandan in Negros Occidental on Thursday.

The boat, which came from Sibunag in Guimaras, was reportedly battered by big waves and strong winds, causing the engine to malfunction.

The PCG said the boat drifted before it capsized a kilometer away from the shore of Pulupandan.

All eight passengers were rescued by responding PCG personnel.

The PCG reminded travelers to monitor weather and sea conditions before and during trips.

Passengers were advised to wear life jackets at all times and avoid sailing when sea conditions are rough. — Gilbert Bayoran