Iloilo City (CNN Philippines) — Starting February 18 all motor boats plying the Iloilo-Guimaras routes will no longer carry motorcycles, according to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG-Iloilo).
The PCG reminded the public that they would no longer allow motorcycles on board the boats as stated in a permit issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina).
Marina said only passengers and cargo were allowed on motor bancas.
According to Lt. Jomark Angue, PCG-Iloilo commander, the permit of motor bancas was only restricted for passengers, hence, passenger motor bancas.
“It will only hamper the flow of passengers in and out of the vessel. The presence of these motorcycles can hamper the good stability of our motor bancas which could lead to accidents which we don’t want to happen,” Angue added.
Meanwhile, Engr. Joseph Rhoel Pador of Marina-6 said during the recent Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting in Guimaras, the ban would be in effect until the pump boats’ Certificate of Public Conveyance (CPC) was amended.
Only motor bancas with CPC are allowed to carry or transport motorcycles.
Motorists have the option of using roll on-roll off (ro-ro) boats or chartered pump boats to trasnport their vehicles.
There will be two ro-ro vessels which make several trips from the city to Jordan, Guimaras.
To inspect motor bancas and make sure that operators follow the ban, PCG officials said they would deploy personnel to the Guimaras and Iloilo wharves.
“Operators and other crew members of the boat will be held liable if an accident happens because they allow the loading of motorcycles on the boat,” Angue said.
