Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Officials in the country’s air and sea ports are bracing for the coming Undas long weekend.
On Thursday, passengers have begun leaving for their provinces.
Ed Monreal, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority, said the influx of air passengers will be felt starting Friday.
For NAIA Terminal 3 alone, at least 36,000 passengers are expected until November 2.
Although airport operations are going smoothly now, long lines at counters and traffic jams might be seen in the coming days.
Monreal said he has asked airline companies to open check-in counters earlier to anticipate the early arrival of passengers.
He advised passengers to use Gates 4-6 of Terminal 3 instead of falling in line at the first three gates.
Whatever their airline is, Monreal said passengers may go through any of the gates at the departure lobby.
He also reminded passengers to be mindful of their belongings.
Related: Metro Manila police taps military to beef up security for All Saints’ Day
Tighter port security
On Monday, the Philippine Port Authority (PPA) issued a heightened security alert in Manila North Harbor, effective until Wednesday, November 2.
“We want to make sure that all our passengers are safe and no stones are left unturned,” said PPA general manager Jay Santiago.
Eduardo Chua, Coast Guard auxilliary unit captain, said the heightened alert was put in place mainly to prevent terrorist attacks and drug-related crimes.
Items banned at the port include flammable liquids, gas cannisters, and firearms.
Chua advised passengers to take care of their personal belongings to avoid untoward incidents.
2Go shipping lines, the only passenger line operating at the Manila North Harbor, said they are expecting at least 12,000 passengers to travel between now and Monday.
The most popular destinations are Cebu, Ozamis, Iligan, Bacolod, Iloilo, and Cagayan De Oro.
Thousands of passengers are expected to travel by sea for the coming holidays; fares are lower than the cost of plane tickets and boats allow a heftier baggage allowance than planes.
Related: PNP Chief’s warning: secure your homes against robbers this Undas
CNN Philippines’ Ivy Saunar and Isabella Montano contributed to this report.
