By Rey Anthony Chiu | 09:36 PM January 08, 2022
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) through the Philippine Coast Guard has strongly reminded its marine transport sector to maintain 70 percent passenger capacity in vessels amidst another impending rise in Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) cases in the country.
In a Memorandum issued January 2, 2022, the DoTr undersecretary for Maritime, calls for Strict implementation of Minimum Health Protocols amidst the rise in Covid cases.
Prompted by the call, Philippine Coast Guard Western Bohol Commanding Officer Edsel Gonzaga cascaded a memorandum mobilizing the coast guard to monitor and implement minimum public health protocols and the passenger capacity of 70% cap in all marine vessels.
In Bohol incidentally on the day after the memorandum, social media posts show massive queues for tickets both in the ports of Tagbilaran and Tubigon, as Boholanos fresh from vacation try to return to work.
The long lines were exacerbated by a red rainfall warning and gale warnings the day after the new year, that fewer boats were allowed to travel, which kept travelers stranded.
The ticket lines were shoulder to shoulder, and the boats were cruising on full capacity, as reported.
The days before that, from five days before Christmas until the new year, reports of horrendous queues in gas stations, water refilling stations, automated teller machines banks, groceries and even in bakeries were also social media trending topics.
This as in the national capital health authorities opted to revert Metro Manila to Alert Level 3, in yet another attempt to arrest the noted rise in cases.
Before this happened, health authorities have tasked the Philippine National Police and Department of Transportation to lead in the implementation of strict health protocols.
As of January 8 until January 15, COVID 19 Alert Level 3 is also hoisted over Dagupan City, City of Santiago in Isabela, Cagayan, Olongapo City, Angeles City, Bataan, Pampanga, Zambales, Naga City, Iloilo City, Lapulapu City in Cebu, Batangas, Lucena City and Baguio.
The PCG commander’s action is also in line with Bohol’s proximity to Lapulapu City in Cebu.
Over this too, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade also ordered public transport operators to ensure that their vehicles are safe and are properly disinfected while urging commuters to be vigilant against those who will be breaking health protocols.
As part of the implementation of health protocols, enforcers from the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and train marshals of all railway lines have been directed to ensure proper physical distancing is observed on public transport and terminals.
Enforcers and marshals have also been ordered to make sure that commuters entering terminals and boarding public transport are also using face masks.
Transport marshals have also been ordered to remind commuters not to talk or eat while inside the trains.
Meanwhile, Sec Tugade asked aviation sector officials to revisit, in coordination with other concerned agencies, the existing cap on daily passenger arrivals in main gateways, as well as inside airplanes.
During the easing of travel, despite the mandate to board only 50% to 70% passengers in closed and airconditioned planes, reports leaked about the planes still accepting full seating capacity, endangering everyone from potential infection.
Under Alert Level 3, intrazonal and interzonal movement are still allowed, however, reasonable restrictions may be imposed by local government units, according to the Level 3 travel protocols. (rahc/PIA-7/Bohol)
