The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported a noticeable decline in passenger traffic at seaports nationwide during the early hours of December 31, indicating a slowdown in travel as many Filipinos prepared to welcome the New Year at home. Data consolidated by the PCG showed that from midnight to 6 a.m., a total of 22,146 outbound passengers and 20,956 inbound passengers were recorded across various ports in the country.
Coast Guard personnel remained on full alert during the period, conducting inspections of passenger vessels, motorbancas, and cargo ships to ensure strict compliance with safety and security protocols. Authorities emphasized that despite the lower volume of travelers, maritime safety operations continued without interruption as part of the government’s holiday security measures.
The reduced number contrasts sharply with the heavier passenger traffic recorded in the days leading up to New Year’s Eve, when tens of thousands of travelers passed through seaports as families traveled to provinces and tourist destinations for the holidays. Officials attributed the slowdown to most travelers having already completed their journeys earlier in the week.
The PCG is maintaining heightened readiness across all districts until after the New Year to manage remaining passenger movements and ensure safe sea travel throughout the extended holiday period.