Passenger volume at the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) has surged since Friday as the annual holiday exodus began, with terminal management recording more than 144,000 travelers by late Sunday afternoon.

As of 5 p.m. on Sunday, officials reported 144,150 passengers had passed through the terminal. Management expects the influx to peak on 23 December as commuters rush to reach their provinces before Christmas Eve.

PITX spokesperson Jason Salvador said the terminal expects at least 3 million passengers between 19 December and 5 January 2026. He cited that while the volume is higher than in previous years due to new routes serving Northern Luzon, the long holiday break may help spread out the crowd.

“We have more trips and cater to more routes now,” Salvador said. “Because the vacation is quite long, we think passengers will be somewhat spread out rather than all arriving at once.”

Many travelers faced long lines and fully booked buses. One passenger, who was waiting for a bus to Albay, said the difficulty of the commute was a necessary sacrifice to see his family.

Another passenger avoided the congestion by booking tickets in advance for her family’s trip to Occidental Mindoro.

To handle the demand, PITX officials said they are ready to issue special permits for additional bus units if companies need to add trips.

The Philippine National Police reminded the public that prohibited items — including sharp objects, lighters, flammable materials, alcohol and illegal fireworks — are banned from the terminal. Security teams confiscated approximately 100 prohibited items between Saturday and Sunday.

National Capital Region Police Office spokesperson Maj. Hazel Asilo urged travelers to secure their belongings and remain alert.

“As much as possible, do not talk to strangers so you won’t fall victim to scams or theft,” Asilo said.