Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported zero stranded passengers in all ports nationwide on the first day of 2026, signaling smooth sea travel operations during the New Year holiday. In a radio interview over True FM on Thursday, PCG spokesperson Capt. Noemie Cayabyab said there were no reports of stranded travelers or shortages of passenger vessels in any port as of New Year's Day.
According to Philippines News Agency, Cayabyab noted that PCG Commandant Adm. Ronnie Gil Gavan had earlier directed the deployment of available Coast Guard vessels to provide free transport in the event passengers were stranded due to vessel shortages or disruptions. To ensure the safety and security of sea passengers, the PCG said it will continue implementing heightened port safety measures.
'We will strengthen our vessel safety inspection. Sisiguraduhin natin na walang makakasakay na excess passengers sa mga barko. Meron din tayong K9 working dogs sa baggage inspection (We will ensure that there will be no excess passengers on ships. We also have K9 working dogs for baggage inspection),' Cayabyab said.
According to the latest data from the PCG, there were a total of 12,992 outbound passengers and 15,515 inbound passengers across all ports nationwide from 12 midnight to 6 a.m. on Jan. 1. On the other hand, there were 150,203 outbound passengers and 148,668 inbound passengers in all ports nationwide on Dec. 31, 2025.
