The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has issued a stern warning to shipping companies after a vessel bound for Romblon province allegedly sold tickets beyond its capacity, leaving passengers stranded at port.

Sec. Vince Dizon ordered maritime authorities to issue a show cause order against the erring shipping line, demanding it explain why it should not face sanctions for violating the country’s “no overloading policy”.

The transport secretary did not identify the shipping company involved, saying an investigation was ongoing.

“Warning to all shipping lines – never do this again. You will face the consequences,” Sec. Dizon told reporters during an inspection at Manila’s NorthPort Passenger Terminal.

“Do not abuse passengers just to make more profit. We will not tolerate this kind of exploitation,” he added.

The incident comes amid a long history of maritime safety concerns in the country, particularly during peak Holy Week travel periods when hundreds of thousands of Filipinos journey from the mainland to provinces like Mindoro.

The Batangas to Mindoro route is one of the busiest inter-island crossings in the country, with passenger numbers typically doubling or tripling during major holidays as people return to their home provinces.

Previous Holy Week seasons have seen similar incidents of vessels attempting to sail while carrying passengers well beyond their certified capacity, despite repeated warnings from authorities.

A 2019 study by the Maritime Industry Authority found that overloading was a factor in nearly 30% of maritime incidents in Philippine waters over the previous decade.

Dizon has directed the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Ports Authority, and Maritime Industry Authority to investigate the incident and ensure affected passengers receive compensation.

“The ship departed, but when it reached maximum capacity, our fellow countrymen couldn’t board despite having tickets,” Dizon explained. “It’s pitiful that they were stranded after buying tickets and expecting to travel.”

File photo by PCG Southern Tagalog