The Maritime Industry Authority confirmed on Wednesday that Starhorse Shipping Lines Inc. had informed them that it would reroute its journey to Romblon instead of servicing the passengers at Balanacan Port in Mogpog, Marinduque, who were going to Lucena City.

The Philippine Ports Authority said Starhorse and Montenegro Shipping Lines rerouted their trips to Romblon on 1 January as there were few passengers on that day, which is traditionally when passenger volume is high.

"Starhorse informed us of their rerouting, and they have flexibility of operation, meaning they can deploy any vessel on their route so long as they serve the scheduled passengers. I asked Starhorse today, and they said there was an unusual volume of passengers they did not expect," Marina Region 4 Director Joey Victoria said in a phone interview.

Victoria said Marina would seek a written explanation from Starhorse and Montenegro.

"If there will be some violations after we evaluate the provisions of their CPC (certificate of public convenience), then there will be sanctions. On the part of Montenegro, we are still confirming if they also applied for the flexibility of their operation or if they notified us of the rerouting," Victoria said.

However, during the DAILY TRIBUNE digital show "Hot Patatas" on Wednesday, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said that was the dilemma when shipping lines have no online ticketing scheme.

"They cannot project passenger volumes and have to rely on actual passenger arrivals on the day of the trip since they don't have a system for advance booking and ticketing," Santiago said.

He said that based on Marina data, only five percent of the total domestic shipping lines operating in the country have an online ticketing system; apparently, more is needed to service the growing population of sea passengers.

About 800 passengers, including children and senior citizens, lined up under the sun's heat at Balanacan Port last 2 January.

No coordination

In the same online show interview, Mogpog Mayor Leo Livelo said there was indeed an influx of passengers last 2 January. Vessels were available last 1 January, but there were no passengers then. Hence, shipping lines such as Starhorse and Montenegro rerouted their vessels to Romblon, based on the report to him by Balanacan Port manager Sherwin Reyes.

"In my understanding, Balanacan Port is the only operational port in Marinduque, so there were many people. Secondly, there is no ticketing system in place, and the shipping lines still do the traditional way of buying tickets," Livelo said.

He said the PPA needed more coordination with the local government of Mogpog, where the Balanacan Port is located.

"That's why I have been asking since last month why there is no security plan from the PPA. We are waiting for that from the PPA. The missing link here is the proper and constant coordination," he said, emphasizing that he immediately sent assistance, such as additional tents and water, to Balanacan Port to help the waiting passengers.

For Livelo, the long-term solution is constructing a more comfortable terminal building in Balanacan, automated teller machines, and more amenities.

"Until we have these, tourists will not return if we cannot provide them with a more conducive terminal. And as we are in the advent of modern technology, I recommend that shipping lines have an online ticketing system or establish online ticket booths in Mogpog town proper," he said.

Santiago said another expansion program will begin this year at Balanacan Port to expand the current 300-passenger capacity to 1,000 passengers by erecting a new passenger terminal building.

"There is also a need for shipping lines to modernize their vessels. The current capacity of vessels serving the Balanacan-Lucena City route is only 100 passengers maximum, with a turnaround time of 7 to 8 hours," Santiago said.

Belying the rerouting

Meanwhile, Starhorse Shipping Lines Inc. president and CEO Vincent Dominic Reyes maintained that they have enough vessels to serve Marinduque passengers on 1 and 2 January.

"In anticipation of the high demand during the Christmas and New Year season, Starhorse Shipping Lines deployed seven vessels to accommodate the influx of passengers. The Penafrancia V, with a passenger capacity of 382, and the Penafrancia VII, with a passenger capacity of 435, were part of our fleet dedicated to meeting the holiday travel needs," Reyes said in a statement to the DAILY TRIBUNE.

Additionally, he said the Peñafrancia VIlI, with a passenger capacity of 492, the Penafrancia IX, with a passenger capacity of 647, and the Penafrancia X, with a passenger capacity of 530, were also deployed to ensure smooth and reliable transportation for our customers.

And in response to the overwhelming demand, Reyes said they further augmented their fleet with the Penafrancia XI, with a passenger capacity of 794, and the Penafrancia XII, their largest vessel, with a passenger capacity of 909.

"Despite these efforts, the surge of passengers on 2 January exceeded the combined capacity of our vessels. We understand the inconvenience this may have caused our valued passengers, and we are actively reviewing our operations to better address similar situations in the future. We remain committed to providing the best possible service and experience for all our passengers, and we appreciate your understanding and continued support as we strive to improve our operations," the statement said.