More than 9,000 travel in NIR for Holy Week

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The Coast Guard District Southern Visayas monitored 9,110 travelers across the Negros Island Region as of Wednesday, April 1, as passenger traffic picked up for Holy Week and the summer vacation.

Records showed 4,331 outbound passengers and 4,779 inbound travelers. No maritime incidents were reported.

The Coast Guard placed its districts, stations and sub-stations in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental and Siquijor, on heightened alert from March 28 to April 5.

The move is part of the Department of Transportation’s Oplan Biyaheng Semana Santa and summer vacation, which aims to ensure the safety and security of sea travelers.

A total of 501 personnel were deployed, while authorities inspected 19 vessels, three motorbancas and 29 rolling cargoes.

In Siquijor, 63 personnel were deployed for Healing Festival 2026 to help ensure the smooth conduct of religious and cultural events.

Malasakit Help Desks were also set up in seaports to strengthen maritime safety, monitor passenger terminals and improve inter-agency coordination to prevent overcrowding, overloading and maritime crimes.

The operation also seeks to ensure the safety, security, reliability and comfort of the traveling public.

The Coast Guard encouraged the public to remain vigilant and to support maritime safety through its reporting platform.

Personnel also posted “See Something, Say Something” materials and posters as part of the Philippine Coast Guard’s Intensified Community Assistance, Awareness, Response and Enforcement, or iCARE, program.

The campaign is meant to raise public awareness by informing passengers and stakeholders about critical safety concerns.

These include passenger overloading, proper listing of passenger names in manifests, suspicious activities, awareness of emergency exits and safety procedures, verification of vessel condition before departure, the presence of authorized and uniformed crew, and the conduct of safety briefings and proper use of lifesaving appliances.

The Coast Guard called on the community to take part in the effort.

“A simple act of awareness and reporting can save lives and protect our environment. Let us work hand in hand in promoting a culture of vigilance and cooperation,” the agency said.

“Stay alert, speak up, and be part of the solution—because together, we can keep our communities and coastlines safe,” it added.