Cebu Port Authority activates “OPLAN BIYAHENG AYOS" for Holy Week

CEBU CITY--The Cebu Port Authority (CPA) activated the Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa and Summer Vacation 2023 and placed all ports in Cebu under heightened alert status starting April 2 -10 to ensure the health, safety, security, and comfort of passengers travelling during the observance of the Holy Week Celebration.

Earlier, the CPA through the Port Security, Safety and Environmental Management Department (PSSEMD) finalized all preparations for the anticipated surge of passengers in coordination with all Cebu port management officers, maritime and enforcement partners from Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Navy, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Bureau of Customs (BOC), Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) Waterfront Police Station, Mabolo Police Station and Regional Maritime Unit and other agency partners and port stakeholders.

CPA deployed on April 2 additional Port Police Officers in ports with high passenger traffic to enforce port safety and security protocols.  Partners from PDEA conduct random inspection and K9 sweeping as part of the intensified campaign to interdict drug couriers passing through seaports.  The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also deployed Bomb Sniffing Dogs in port areas and Passenger Terminal Buildings.

To recall, CPA recorded 345,445 passengers during the same period last year.  For this year, CPA is expecting to double the number of passengers given the “zero COVID” restrictions and the long weekend.

Only passengers with boat tickets and valid Identification Cards (IDs) shall be allowed entry into the port at least two hours from the scheduled departure time.  CPA strictly imposes the “No ticket, No ID, No Entry Policy”. 

The public is also reminded not to avail of any illegal ticket scouting by unauthorized persons and to book their tickets in advance to avoid heavy queuing outside the port area where most ticketing outlets are located.

First Aid Stations and Malasakit Help Desks are also activated to provide passenger assistance and support for a wide range of travel needs.

Passengers can lodge their concerns, complaints and reports to CPA Police Operations Center thru the following hotline numbers: 09178220471 09178158680 or via CPA Official Facebook Page @cebuportauthorityofficial. (Photos: CPA-FB)