The Department of Transportation (DoTr) is tightening maritime safety measures after an overloaded passenger vessel at Batangas Port left travelers stranded just days before the Holy Week rush.

Transportation Secretary Vivencio “Vince” Dizon confirmed on Monday the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) apprehended the vessel bound for Romblon which had exceeded its maximum passenger capacity. He said the DoTr has launched an investigation and is preparing sanctions against the shipping line involved.

“Our fellow citizens were stranded. The shipping line sold more tickets than the vessel’s capacity. The Coast Guard caught them,” said Dizon in a media interview at the North Passenger Terminal in Manila. “We will not compromise the safety of our passengers. We will hold the shipping line accountable.”

Dizon also ordered the shipping line to compensate the affected passengers, emphasizing that “the public should not bear the brunt of poor safety practices and greed.”

Despite the department’s earlier warnings, the overloading incident underscored the urgent need for tighter enforcement of maritime safety rules, especially with the surge in travel during Holy Week.

The DoTr has since ramped up its nationwide campaign under “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa,” mobilizing teams across airports, seaports, land terminals and railway stations.

To prevent future incidents, Dizon ordered all shipping lines to strictly adhere to vessel capacity limits. He also announced the implementation of an e-ticketing system at Batangas Port later this year to avoid long queues, curb overbooking, and eliminate fixers who exploit passengers with unofficial transactions.

The e-ticketing system was suspended in September 2022 and officially scrapped in 2023 under then Secretary Jaime Bautista. However, Dizon believes its reintroduction is key to restoring order and transparency at busy ports.

As of Monday morning, the PCG reported a nationwide volume of 15,941 outbound and 16,214 inbound passengers.

A total of 4,032 frontline personnel have been deployed across 16 PCG districts, inspecting 308 vessels and 68 motor bancas.

The PCG has placed all stations on heightened alert from 13 to 20 April to manage the influx of port passengers and ensure their safety during the Holy Week travel period.

Marcos orders safe travel

As the Holy Week exodus began, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed government agencies to ensure safe and convenient travel for those heading home or taking vacations.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President instructed the DoTr and law enforcement to secure passenger terminals and crowded areas during the travel rush.

Marcos also tasked the Philippine National Police with safeguarding homes left vacant by vacationing Filipinos.

“What the President wants, and his directive, is to provide our countrymen, and not only our countrymen but anyone visiting our country, with safe and convenient travel,” Castro said in a briefing at Malacañang.

“The President has also tasked the Philippine National Police with ensuring that homes left by vacationing Filipinos remain protected from burglars and thieves,” she added.

CAAP issues advisory

In anticipation of increased air travel during Holy Week, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) issued an advisory to travelers, urging them to follow security protocols for a safe and efficient journey.

As part of the Department of Transportation’s “Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2025,” CAAP has enhanced security measures, deployed additional staff, and set up Malasakit help desks at all airports. Security and screening procedures have been strengthened, and medical teams are on standby.

CAAP recommends travelers verify flight details, arrive at least three hours early, and adhere to baggage rules. Passengers should avoid prohibited items, ensure power banks meet capacity limits, and never leave baggage unattended.

“We have taken the necessary steps to ensure smooth operations during this busy season,” said CAAP Director General Lt. Gen. Raul L. del Rosario (ret.)