BATANGAS CITY — Transport Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered an investigation on a shipping line for allegedly selling tickets beyond the vessel’s capacity, as hundreds of passengers bound for Odiongan, Romblon were stranded on Monday at the Batangas Port. 

“Nakakaawa ‘yong mga kababayan natin kasi may mga na-stranded. Obviously, na-stranded sila kasi nagbenta ng mas madaming ticket ‘yong shipping line compared doon sa allowable number of passenger and weight,” Dizon told reporters.

(Our fellow citizens are in a pitiful situation because they got stranded. Obviously, they were stranded because the shipping line sold more tickets than the allowed number of passengers and weight.)

“Nahuli ito ng Coast Guard natin.”

(This was caught by our Coast Guard.)

According to Batangas port authorities, the situation was triggered by the limited number of vessels assigned to the Odiongan route, with only one ship available to serve the high passenger volume.

Some affected passengers spent the night on Sunday at the port terminal, some without food and proper sleeping arrangements.

“Mahirap po kasi ngayon lang kami nagdanas ng ganito kasi dati naman diretso lang, hindi naman ganito karami ang pasahero,” said Carmen Ibabao, one of the stranded passengers who came from Tondo, Manila.

(It’s difficult because this is the first time we’ve experienced something like this. Before, our trips were direct and there weren’t this many passengers.)

Montenegro Shipping Lines Inc., which operates the route, has denied the allegation.

“We would like to inform you that all passengers who boarded our Batangas-Odiongan trip on April 13, 2025, were ticketed passengers. We confirm that no ticketed passengers were left behind and there were no instances of overloading during the trip,” it said in a statement.

“Additionally, for the comfort of passengers scheduled for future trips, ticket issuance has been provided for those traveling on later dates. Specifically, tickets dated April 14, 2025, were issued to relevant passengers, allowing them access to the passenger terminal area.”

Dizon has directed the company to compensate affected passengers.

The port management is also coordinating with the shipping line for the possible deployment of an additional vessel to address the situation.

“Ang sabi sa akin kahapon, meron silang bagong barko…sa Lucena. Kailangan lang inspeksyonin ng MARINA ngayon. After no’n, dadalhin na rito para naka-standby,” said Batangas Port Manager Joselito Sinocruz.

(They told me yesterday that they have a new ship… in Lucena. It just needs to be inspected by MARINA, and afterward, it will be brought here to be on standby.)

CATICLAN ROUTE FULLY BOOKED

Meanwhile, trips to other destinations are also at full capacity. Ship routes to Caticlan — the gateway to Boracay —  are fully booked from Monday to Wednesday.

Even trips from Romblon and Sibuyan Island to Caticlan are nearing full occupancy.

“’Yong Romblon, Romblon at saka ‘yong Sibuyan Island going to Caticlan, semi-fully booked. Kung ‘yong barko ay maglalaman ng mga 800, ang ia-accommodate na lang nila ay mga 100 na lang kasi may mga naka-ticket na hanggang Thursday. Ang next na nilang open is Sunday,” Sinocruz said.

(Trips from Romblon, Romblon and Sibuyan Island to Caticlan are almost fully booked. If a ship can carry 800, they can only accommodate about 100 more passengers since tickets have been sold through Thursday. The next available trip is Sunday.)

Despite issues, port management assured travelers that order and security are being maintained.

Some passengers praised the improved facilities and faster processes at the port this year.

“Maayos naman, napagkamalan ko ngang mall eh. Ang lamig pagpasok. Saka meron nito oh [stroller] para hindi ka mahirapan magbuhat. Ayos na ayos,” said passenger Louie Baluyot.

(Everything’s in order, I even thought it was a mall. It’s cold inside. And they have strollers so you don’t have to carry your things — it’s great.)

“Maganda ngayon kaysa dati,” added Sherley Villarias, who booked her trip online. “Mabilis.”

(It’s better now than before.. It’s quick.)

Batangas Port expects up to 20,000 passengers daily during the Holy Week period, with 44 vessels now operational for routes across the Visayas and Southern Luzon.