North Port passengers warned over new ‘orange tagging’ rule

A newly launched passenger monitoring system at the North Port Passenger Terminal in Manila’s North Harbor was halted just a day after implementation amid confusion, data privacy concerns and operational disruptions.

Starting 29 October, passengers were required to obtain an orange wrist tag with a QR code before boarding a vessel, a measure called the Passenger Terminal Monitoring System (PTMS). Port stakeholders and even the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) questioned the sudden rollout.

Sources familiar with the operation told DAILY TRIBUNE that PTMS personnel were collecting vital passenger information, including names, addresses, telephone numbers, and taking photos of identification cards.

These practices raised fears that the crucial data could be compromised. The wrist tag was meant to be scanned upon disembarking at the destination port.

The PTMS’ implementation caused long queues for commuters entering the Passenger Terminal Building. Although currently free, the system was expected to eventually charge a 10-peso fee per passenger, adding an expense for travelers.

According to a source, the system, which was advertised on a tarpaulin as authorized by the Department of Transportation, began its trial run without the clear approval of the PPA, the National Privacy Commission, or even 2Go, one of the primary shipping lines.

The source identified a third-party IT company, UCC Tech, as being involved, noting the company had reportedly approached Malacañang and the Transportation Department seeking accreditation.

PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago expressed surprise at the PTMS’ presence, especially as it was launched just before the anticipated influx of travelers for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.