THE COAST Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) concluded its Holy Week operations with a perfect safety record, reporting zero maritime casualties despite a massive influx of over a quarter-million passengers.
During the ten-day implementation of OPLAN Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2026, which ran from March 28 to April 5, the district successfully monitored and assisted a total of 269,155 passengers across the Davao Region’s various ports and coastal hubs.
By the numbers
According to the CGDSEM’s final report, the operation included:
- 1,354 vessels inspected for seaworthiness
- 1,417 motorbancas (mbca) monitored for strict safety compliance
- 65,147 rolling cargoes processed at Roro terminals
- 946 personnel deployed in 24/7 shifts at ports and strategic coastal areas
District officials attributed the smooth flow of travel to proactive monitoring and seamless coordination with partner agencies.
The deployment of nearly 1,000 personnel ensured that safety regulations were enforced even during the peak travel days on Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday.
“This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to maritime safety,” the CGDSEM stated in its post-operation assessment. “Through strict enforcement and effective inter-agency coordination, we were able to ensure that the public’s sea travel remained safe and orderly throughout the Lenten break.”
While the Holy Week alert has been lifted, the Coast Guard reminded the public that heightened vigilance will continue throughout the summer vacation season, especially as coastal tourism remains high in areas like the Island Garden City of Samal and Davao Occidental.
