By Glazyl Masculino
BACOLOD CITY — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) District Southern Visayas recorded at least 18,889 passengers traveling in the Negros Island Region (NIR) during the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2.
Commodore Ludovico Librilla Jr., commander of PCG District Southern Visayas, reported that as of 6 p.m. on Nov. 2, there were 9,739 inbound and 9,150 outbound passengers across seaports in Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor.
A total of 499 personnel were deployed, and 273 vessels were inspected as of Nov. 2.
Librilla noted an increase in passenger volume on Nov. 1 compared to Nov. 2, though the situation remained manageable.
In northern Negros Occidental, a total of 35,470 passengers traveled for Undas starting from Oct. 31.
This total includes 17,551 outbound and 17,919 inbound passengers who used the six seaports.
As of Sunday afternoon, Nov. 3, PCG Northern Negros recorded 1,046 outbound and 1,025 inbound passengers, alongside 158 outbound and 193 inbound rolling cargoes.
Based on data from PCG Northern Negros Occidental, Bacolod City saw the highest passenger traffic with 1,002 travelers, followed by Escalante City with 400, Lakawon Island with 261, Victorias City with 176, Cadiz City with 117, and Pulupandan town with 115.
Additionally, there were 6,943 rolling cargoes, including 3,218 outbound and 3,725 inbound cargoes.
Two Missing Fishermen Rescued
Two fishermen were rescued in Barangay Bubog, Talisay City, Negros Occidental, on Thursday, two days after they were reported missing on Tuesday night, Oct. 29.
Commander Jansen Benjamin, head of PCG Northern Negros Occidental, said that Aldin Nepomuceno and Noel Mahinay returned home safely to Magsungay, Barangay Singcang-Airport on Thursday afternoon with assistance from Barangay Bubog.
Benjamin stated that both fishermen had set out Tuesday afternoon for fishing in waters off Banago and Talisay City but did not return that night.
The boat owner notified the PCG the next day, prompting a search and rescue operation.
According to the fishermen, their boat encountered engine trouble, leaving them adrift at sea for two days until they were spotted by Barangay Bubog, which provided an engine to power their boat.
The barangay coordinated with the Coast Guard sub-station to report the development on Friday, Nov. 1.
Additionally, two young fishermen who went missing two weeks ago and drifted to waters off Masbate after their boat broke down safely returned to Cadiz City over the weekend.
Man Drowns After Saving Relative
Meanwhile, a 28-year-old man drowned while saving a relative during a family outing at Sitio Batang, Barangay Talaban, Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental, on Nov. 1.
The victim, identified by police as alias “Joey” of Barangay Mahalang, reportedly saw his relative slip and fall into the sea while walking along a rocky part of the resort.
Police Lt. Col. Anthony Grande, Himamaylan City police chief, said the victim swam to rescue his relative but was pulled away by a strong current.
The relative survived, but Joey’s body was recovered minutes later by the PCG, local rescuers, and residents in the area.
