Guimarasnons have called on authorities to allow pumpboats to return to their normal operations.

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) shortened the operating hours for passenger pumpboats plying the Guimaras-Iloilo route and vice versa

The boats are only allowed to sail from sunrise to sunset or from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

This was imposed by MARINA after the sea tragedy early last month.

Three pumpboats capsized in Iloilo Strait on Aug. 3 after being hit by big waves and strong winds.

On Tuesday, Sept. 3, a candle-lighting activity was held simultaneously at Jordan Wharf, Buenavista Wharf and Iloilo Ferry Terminal – Parola to pray for the souls of those who died in the sea mishap.

It also served as a venue for Guimarasnons to call for the lifting of the sunrise to sunset policy, which has become a burden to them. 

Most Guimaras residents are studying and working in Iloilo City. Pumpboats are the principal mode of transportation between the island province and Iloilo City.

Keren Durana and Danna Mercine of Buenavista town expressed their frustrations over the policy.

“Basta ibalik lang ya ang regular nga biyahe [of pumpboats]. Hassle kaayo mo,” Durana said.

According to her, the deployment of fast crafts doesn’t help.

“Sang una bisan 7:15 a.m. ka mahalin [from our house] wala problema. Subong ya kinanglan makasay ka gid sa trip nga 6 a.m. kay ang next trip 8 a.m. naman,” Durana lamented.

Fast crafts have trips to Guimaras beyond 6 p.m.

“Tanan gid ya subong nga taga Guimaras ugot sa MARINA kag Philippine Coast Guard. Ang [port] da sa Fort San Pedro, gaginamo man permi. Wala tadlong nga linya kag sistema. Daw wala bala common sense kag idea kon paano nga ang tawo indi magginutok kag magsal-utanay,” Durana shared.

Mercine said the shortened operating hours of pumpboats required them to increase their transportation allowance.

“Bayad ka P50 boat fare plus P20 sa PTB (passenger terminal building) Fee equals to P70. Sakay ka motor/tricycle [and pay] P20-P60,” she explained.

“Kaya nyo pa? Kapoy plus Gasto plus Wala sistema.”

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) temporarily put on hold the implementation of the PTB Fee.

In a previous report by IMT NEWS, PCG said only MARINA, one of the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) attached agencies, can repeal its policy.IMT