MANILA, Philippines  — Passenger influx at sea ports across the Philippines remained high even after Christmas as over 163,042 travelers were recorded ahead of the long weekend, the Philippine Coast Guard said.

Filipinos look forward to a five-day long weekend that begins on December 28 and ends on January 1.

In its latest situation report, the PCG said it logged a total of 81,278 outbound passengers and 81,764 inbound passengers nationwide from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

To ensure smooth operations and passenger safety, the PCG deployed 2,870 frontline personnel across 16 districts. 

Authorities likewise conducted inspections on 552 vessels and 961 motorbancas. 

The PCG remains on heightened alert from December 20, 2024, to January 3, 2025, to manage the anticipated influx of travelers during the holiday season.

The December 26 figures follow the continued increasing passenger numbers recorded on Christmas Day, when the PCG monitored 109,900 outbound passengers and 94,232 inbound passengers. 

Inspections that day included 1,071 vessels and 1,924 motorbancas.

While there has been a decrease in passenger volume and vessel inspections compared to December 25, the PCG continues to monitor port activities closely as travel remains steady during the holiday period.

Passengers are encouraged to direct inquiries or concerns regarding sea travel protocols to the PCG via its official Facebook page or the Coast Guard Public Affairs Service hotline at 0927-560-7729.