THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental is bracing for the holiday rush.

PCG-Negros Occidental chief, Lieutenant Commander Jansen Benjamin, said they are expecting a jump in the number of passengers between Friday and Monday next week prior to the Christmas Day celebration.

He said as of Wednesday morning, December 18, the number of passengers at the Bredco and Banago ports remain normal throughout the day and they did not record any incidents thus far.

Benjamin said although the numbers are still normal, they did note that the number of passengers will increase gradually and peaking between Friday until Monday of next week.

As of 6 a.m. Wednesday, the PCG in Negros Occidental has recorded a total of 1,319 outbound passengers in various ports in the province.

Outbound passengers in Iloilo, meanwhile, were reported at 2,515.

Benjamin also said they are strictly carrying out inspections of baggage at the terminals and advised those heading home for the holidays not to carry contraband such as bladed weapons, and pyrotechnics.

He further added vessels are being subjected to pre-departure inspections to make sure their equipment are in working order, and they are not overloading passengers or cargo. (TDE)