QUEZON CITY – MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan called for the active cooperation of sea passengers in reporting any suspected overloading incidents, emphasizing the crucial role of the public in preventing safety risks at sea during the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Press Conference held earlier today, 25 April 2025.

“We need the cooperation of everyone — not just the authorities, but the passengers as well. Huwag na po tayong sumakay kung alam nating lampas na sa kapasidad ang bangka o barko. Kung may nakita po kayong paglabag, isumbong agad sa MARINA o Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Kasama namin kayo sa pagbabantay ng kaligtasan ng biyahe,” Administrator Malaluan said.

The Administrator stressed that while MARINA and its partner agencies are intensifying enforcement efforts, public vigilance remains essential, especially in areas without proper passenger terminals where monitoring is more difficult. In some cases, individuals have reportedly bypassed security checks or jumped aboard vessels after being counted, posing serious risks to all on board.

To address this, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), MARINA, PCG, and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) recently signed a Joint Memorandum Circular aimed at strengthening enforcement against overloading. The Circular mandates MARINA to impose penalties on shipping companies found violating passenger capacity regulations.

MARINA also highlighted the importance of adopting online ticketing systems to ensure a more accurate and reliable passenger manifest. This digitalization effort not only supports anti-overloading measures but also enhances emergency response and rescue operations when necessary.