ILOILO, Philippines — The Port Management Office (PMO) Panay/Guimaras is enforcing strict security and inspection measures at passenger terminal buildings in its ports as travelers return following Holy Week 2025 commemorations.

In addition to assigned Port Police Officers, security guards, and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) screeners, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have deployed extra personnel to ensure safe and orderly travel and prevent illegal drugs from passing through ports during the Holy Week and vacation period.

On Good Friday, April 18, authorities arrested a passenger at the Port of Jordan after discovering suspected dried marijuana leaves and drug paraphernalia during a screening.

Since Easter Sunday, passenger volume has surged at Parola Wharf and Iloilo River Wharf Lapuz for trips to Guimaras Island, as well as from Iloilo Fastcraft Terminal and Port of Dumangas to Bacolod City. The Port of Culasi in Roxas City, Capiz, also reported heavy passenger and rolling cargo traffic bound for Romblon and Batangas.

The PPA has set up helpdesks and provided free drinking water and coffee at all passenger terminal buildings to assist travelers.