Coast Guard logs over 12,000 Undas travelers in Negros

BACOLOD CITY — The Coast Guard District Southern Visayas (CGDSV) recorded 12,820 passengers at seaports across the Negros Island Region (NIR) from Nov. 1 to 2 during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

Of the total, 6,967 travelers were recorded on All Saints’ Day, while 5,853 were logged the following day, All Souls’ Day.

The majority of travelers were monitored on Nov. 1, comprising 3,978 outbound and 2,989 inbound passengers.

Coast Guard personnel also inspected 32 vessels, 19 motorbancas, 592 outbound rolling cargo units, and 609 inbound rolling cargo units that day.

On Nov. 2, authorities recorded 3,307 outbound and 2,546 inbound passengers.

Inspections on the second day covered 38 vessels, 39 motorbancas, 587 outbound rolling cargo units, and 695 inbound rolling cargo units.

Across the two-day period, the Coast Guard inspected a total of 70 vessels, 58 motorbancas, and 2,483 rolling cargo units.

Meanwhile, two fishermen were rescued after their motorized boat reportedly capsized in the waters off Sipaway Island in San Carlos City, Negros Occidental, on Oct. 31.

Personnel from the Coast Guard San Carlos Substation immediately conducted a search-and-rescue operation and successfully brought both fishermen to safety.

As part of this year’s Oplan Biyaheng Ayos for Undas, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) placed its districts, stations, and substations on heightened alert from Oct. 29 to Nov. 3 to ensure the safety and security of passengers traveling by sea.

A total of 544 Coast Guard personnel were deployed across the region to maintain order and assist travelers at seaports amid the increased passenger traffic during the holiday observance.

The heightened alert also supports maritime safety inspections, passenger assistance, and emergency response operations during one of the country’s busiest annual travel periods.