The Coast Guard in Negros Oriental assured April 7 a smooth and safe travel from the city port in Dumaguete as it anticipates an influx of tourists to and from Siquijor.
Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental commander, told the Philippine News Agency that even before the Holy Week, the volume of travelers has notably increased.
Enopia also assured the public that despite some shipping companies cutting down on their trips, there are still other passenger seacrafts plying the Negros Oriental-Siquijor route and vice versa.
“Montenegro Shipping Lines and Star Craft are still plying the Dumaguete-Siquijor and vice versa, while Ocean Jet still has some trips for this route,” she said.
Ocean Jet announced on social media that it was temporarily canceling some of its trips to Cebu, Tagbilaran in Bohol, Dumaguete, and Siquijor as part of its Fuel Contingency Plan in accordance with a Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) advisory directing domestic shipping companies and other stakeholders to implement contingency measures to address the potential impact of the escalating Middle East crisis.
Marina Administrator Sonia Malaluan said the measures are intended to ensure that domestic maritime transport remains stable despite global disruptions.
The canceled trips from April 8 to 29 are Cebu to Tagbilaran, 6:40 p.m.; Tagbilaran to Cebu, 6:30 p.m.; Cebu to Tagbilaran, 12:20 p.m.; Tagbilaran to Siquijor, 2:40 p.m.; Siquijor to Dumaguete, 4:40 p.m.; and Dumaguete to Siquijor, 5:30 p.m.
Also canceled from April 9 to 29 are trips from Siquijor to Dumaguete, 5 a.m.; Dumaguete to Siquijor, 6:20 a.m.; Siquijor to Tagbilaran, 7:20 a.m.; Tagbilaran to Cebu, 10 a.m.; Cebu to Tagbilaran, 12:20 p.m.; Tagbilaran to Siquijor, 2:40 p.m.; Siquijor to Dumaguete, 4:40 p.m.; and Dumaguete to Siquijor, 5:30 p.m.
Ocean Jet has advised passengers that they are entitled to a full refund and free scheduling with no charges. ||
