Thousands of passengers flock to Calapan Port as holiday break ends

Metro Manila, Philippines - Passengers and vehicles piled up in long queues at the Calapan Port in Oriental Mindoro on Sunday, Jan. 5, amid the rush of travelers after the 2025 New Year festivities.

As of 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, Oriental Mindoro disaster management officials reported that the line of passengers seeking to cross to Batangas already reached the third floor of the port’s Passenger Terminal Building.

The building can accommodate 3,500 passengers.

Authorities said only travelers on the first floor have secured tickets.

Meanwhile, as of 4:30 p.m., more than 190 vehicles, including bus and private vehicles, have been stranded at the Bayanan II Road as they queue up to enter the Calapan Port.

Port authorities in Mindoro suspended on Saturday its booking system for roll-on roll off cargo vehicles that would depart from the Calapan Port. A “first come first served” policy has been implemented in its place.

The Calapan police said the vehicles would need a number pass.

The Philippine Coast Guard recorded nearly 193,000 outbound passengers and more than 187,000 inbound passengers in all seaports nationwide on Friday.

The coast guard’s heightened alert status for sea travel ended on Friday.