MANILA, Mar. 25 – The Department of Transportation presented reminders for maritime passengers this long weekend.
DOTC said that during high passenger volume seasons, there is a significant rise in petty crime incidents, most commonly estafa and ticket-selling scams, at seaports.
In this light, maritime passengers are reminded to make sure to buy tickets only from authorized personnel, and not from scalpers.
They must make sure that they are not made to pay for any extra charges that are not found in their [official] receipts issued (e.g. insurance, unofficial terminal fees).
They must transact only with officials/personnel in proper uniform AND with proper identification cards/documents.
For safety reasons, they must not patronize colorum or unregistered watercraft/vessels.
Moreover, they must segregate and declare metallic objects and bladed tools for industrial use, so that these items can be tagged, turned over to maritime authorities for safekeeping, and finally retrieved at the port of destination (by the owners/passengers). Segregation and declaration should be accomplished by passengers prior to the x-ray inspection for faster/easier processing.
For complaints, queries, feedback, comments, suggestions, etc. on/against shipping companies, call the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) SUMBONG hotline: (02) 510-8098
The PCG Action Center hotline: (0917) PCGDOTC/ (0917) 724-3682) is also operational 24/7, in order to accommodate maritime passengers’ questions or emergency calls. (DOTC)
