Bacolod-Iloilo fastcraft trips halted until Jan. 15

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Sea trips from Bacolod to Iloilo City and vice-versa were temporarily suspended from Jan 11 to 15, 2022 due to the travel restrictions imposed by the two local government units (LGUs).

Frank Carbon, Weesam Express operator, said they decided to halt the trips beginning Monday afternoon to cooperate with the travel protocols of both LGUs.

Carbon also cited very few passengers traveling because both LGUs required all travelers, including fully vaccinated individuals, to submit a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test within 72 hours prior to travel.

The suspension of trips could help the LGUs prevent the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, considering the threat of the more contagious Omicron variant.

“Kung mag sige biyahe daw pareho lang na nga nagbulig ta lapta sang Omicron, kag basi maglawig pa isa ka bulan ang untat biyahe kung indi ma contain ang sitwasyon,” he added.

Another fastcraft company also halted its operations.

Despite this, trips of Roll on-Roll off (Roro) vessels from Bacolod City to Dumangas, Iloilo province were not affected, according to Chief Petty Officer Louie Campaner, commander of the Philippine Coast Guard – Bredco substation.

Campaner, however, reminded travelers to still comply with the travel requirements for their convenience, especially if they proceed to Iloilo City through Dumangas port, since Iloilo City is under Alert Level 3.

Bacolod City and Iloilo province are under Alert Level 2 until January 15, 2022.