PPA expects 2.2 million passengers for Undas period

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) expects over 2.2 million passengers to use seaports nationwide from October 27 to November 5 for the "Undas" period.

PPA General Manager Jay Santiago and Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez inspected the Batangas Port, identified as one of the country's busiest, to ensure operational readiness.

Five seaports, namely Iloilo Port, Jordan Port in Guimaras, Batangas Port, Calapan Port, and BREDCO Port in Bacolod City, have been tagged as 'critical' due to the expected high volume of travelers.

To ensure efficiency and safety, the PPA has suspended all employee leaves, raised a heightened alert over the critical seaports, and is collaborating with the Philippine Coast Guard and Philippine National Police Maritime Group.

The agency also conducted random drug tests for all personnel nationwide and set up X-ray scanners in all 130 seaports to prevent the entry of prohibited items.

"Malasakit Help Desks" will be operational 24/7 in all ports to assist travelers, and authorities are urging passengers to avoid purchasing tickets from fixers or scalpers due to inflated prices.