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The Philippine Ports Authority has intensified security measures across all ports under its management in preparation for the expected surge of passengers and cargo during the 2025 Christmas holiday rush starting December 15
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About 3,000 security personnel have been deployed in all PPA ports nationwide
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They will be working with other security forces
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PPA also warned the public against scammers collecting fees for passenger insurance and door-to-door cargo
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PPA general manager Jay Santiago stressed that neither these fees are collected by the agency
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has intensified security measures across all ports under its management in preparation for the expected surge of passengers and cargo during the 2025 Christmas holiday rush starting December 15.
“Ready na sila, our security is on a heightened alert… both ‘yung ating port police in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and PNP (Philippine National Police) Maritime Group pati ‘yung force multiplier natin ‘yung mga security guards,” PPA general manager Jay Santiago said during the agency’s year end press conference.
He said about 3,000 security personnel have been deployed in all PPA ports nationwide to ensure safety, order, and the smooth flow of travelers.
Santiago also warned passengers against scams on supposed mandatory payment for insurance coverage as well as scams on cargo fee collection.
Some scammers, he said, are even using his photo and fake PPA identification cards.
He cited PPA Memorandum Circular No. 06-2010, or the Prohibition on the Mandatory Sale of Passenger Insurance Coverage. Under this directive, no additional insurance fee should be charged to passengers at PPA-managed ports. All passengers are already covered by the vessel’s insurance policy in case of any incident while on board.
Only the terminal fee is collected from passengers at all ports.
As for cargo, he stressed that the PPA does not collect any fee for any package for door-to-door delivery.
READ: PPA serves record 4.7M passengers during 2024 holiday rush
Meanwhile, the PPA urged the public to cooperate with authorities by following port regulations, remaining vigilant, and promptly reporting any suspicious activities, including scammers posing as PPA officials or using the agency’s name and logo to deceive the public.
The PPA assured the public that its help desks and official social media accounts remain open to receive inquiries in line with the government’s directive to prioritize public welfare and safety, especially during the holiday rush.
READ: PPA poised to hit 2025 targets, optimistic of steady performance
