Dumaguete: Airport and seaport authorities in Negros Oriental are ready to secure the influx of travelers and returning residents during the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (Undas) holidays and the Christmas season. Officials shared their security strategies for the expected surge in foot traffic during a media forum here on Tuesday.

According to Philippines News Agency, Allan Punay, manager of the Dumaguete-Sibulan airport and local chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), said they are operating with the assistance of other government law enforcement units, intelligence agencies, and private security. Punay emphasized the importance of managing the proper implementation of safety and security protocols within the airport, noting that recent simulation drills will aid in disaster management and response. The airport currently accommodates 10 outgoing and 10 incoming flights daily, with approximately 1,200 travelers departing and arriving each day. Punay also mentioned that he has requested airline operators to avoid scheduling flights too closely to prevent overcrowding.

Commodore Christopher Auro, commander of the Coast Guard District Southern Visayas, announced that Malasakit Help Centers will be established at ports due to the anticipated increase in foot traffic. This initiative is organized with the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Bureau of Customs. Auro assured that overloaded ships would not be allowed to set sail and advised passengers to monitor weather updates, as the Coast Guard will automatically cancel sea travel once Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 is raised.

PPA-Negros Oriental and Siquijor station commander Dodge Christian Cagaanan urged the public to purchase tickets from legitimate sellers to avoid falling prey to fixers, who often target last-minute purchasers.