ILOILO CITY -- Several shipping companies here decided to temporarily stop their operations in observance of the Lenten season, said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Iloilo.
In an interview Wednesday, PCG-Iloilo commanding officer Lt. Rodolfo Dela Peña said that only the 2Go Travel, Milagrosa, Montenegro vessels and motor bancas bound to and from Guimaras will have normal operations.
Starting 3 p.m. of March 29, Weesam Express will stop its operation and will resume at 6:30 a.m. of March 31; Ocean Jet will stop its operation on 3:45 p.m. on March 30 and will be back at 6:05 a.m. of March 31; SuperCat will stop its operation at 5 p.m., also on March 30 and will resume operation at 8 a.m. of March 31; Fastcat will stop its operation at 8 a.m. of March 30, back at 8 p.m. of March 30; F.F. Cruz will stop its operations at 1:30 p.m. of March 30, resumes at 5:30 p.m. of March 31; Trans-Asia will stop its operation at 6 p.m. of March 31 and will resume at 6 p.m. of April 1; Cokaliong ship will stop its operation at 7 p.m. of March 29, resumes at 7 p.m. of April 1.
Meanwhile, at the Iloilo Dumangas Port in Dumangas, Iloilo, the Tri-star will stop its operations at 9 p.m. of March 30 and will resume at 6 a.m. of March 31.
These vessels are mostly bound for Bacolod City and Cebu.
PCG-Iloilo has activated its “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos” last March 21 to ensure orderly operation of the different sea terminals here.
Passenger assistance desks were established in each of port terminals to assist the concerns and complaints of the passengers.
Each assistance desk has two Coast Guard personnel and representatives from other concerned agencies like the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, among others.
Dela Peña warned the public from carrying illegal drugs and deadly weapons.
Dela Peña said that they are specifically focusing on Iloilo Ferry Terminal and Ortiz Wharf in this city because they are expecting thousands of passengers to visit Guimaras Island for the “Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid”.
Last year, PCG recorded around 10,000-20,000 passengers who visited the island. Dela Peña said that they are expecting around the same number or more passengers to go to the island this time. (PNA)
