THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) went on heightened alert on Palm Sunday as crowds of Holy Week travelers began to pack seaports.

From midnight to 6 a.m. on April 13, the PCG recorded 12,899 outbound passengers and 9,523 inbound passengers.

PCG's 3,397 frontline personnel across its 16 district commands inspected 328 vessels and 63 motor boats.

At the Manila North Harbor, security was tight, with the PCG inspecting baggage for dangerous or prohibited items.

At 11:30 a.m., the MV St. Michael the Archangel arrived from Bacolod City and Iloilo with 414 passengers. The vessel was scheduled to depart at 3 p.m. for Davao, General Santos City. The Department of Transportation (DOTr), meanwhile, deployed enforcers to EDSA Busway stations, integrated terminal exchanges, and major highways from April 9 to 23 to support travelers throughout the Holy Week.

The department has been busy decongesting commuter areas, enforcing traffic rules, cracking down on unauthorized or "colorum" vehicles, and conducting roadside inspections to ensure the roadworthiness of public utility vehicles.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said it is important for the department "to ensure that all preparations for Holy Week are in place, so passengers can have a safe, fast, and comfortable journey."