Surigao ports see dramatic surge in traffic ahead of 2025 elections
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte -- The Port Management Office (PMO) of Surigao saw an unprecedented surge in passenger and vessel traffic across its major ports as voters traveled to their hometowns ahead of the May 12 national and local elections.
On May 10 alone, two days before elections, a record 8,776 passengers embarked at various ports while 12,098 disembarked—representing more than twice the normal passenger flow.
From May 4-10, vessel trips increased dramatically across all monitored ports, with total frequency rising from 100 trips.
"What we're seeing is a significant movement of people returning to their hometowns to vote," said Elvis Daguman, port police division manager of PMO Surigao. “The numbers clearly indicated that Surigaonons are taking their civic duty seriously despite the logistical challenges."
He also shared that the traffic surge placed significant pressure on port operations:
• Baseport has seen the most dramatic increase, handling 27 departures and 28 arrivals on May 10, with over 4,000 embarking passengers and nearly 3,000 disembarking.
• TMO Siargao recorded a similar jump
in traffic with 27 departures and 26 arrivals on the same day, processing 1,799
embarking and 4,394 disembarking passengers.
• TMO Lipata managed 19 departures and 22 arrivals with nearly 2,000 embarking passengers and over 2,000 disembarking.
Despite the surge in traffic, PMO Surigao reported zero incidents across all ports under its jurisdiction during this high-volume period, suggesting effective management of the increased passenger flow.
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) also allowed additional trips to accommodate the increased demand, with contingency measures in place even after the May 12 elections, when a reverse surge is expected as voters return to urban centers.
The Philippine Ports Authority advised the travelers to allow extra time for port processing and to expect continued high volume through May 14. Elevated traffic levels are expected to continue for several days after the elections as voters return to their places of work and residence. (PPA- PMO Surigao/ PIA Surigao del Norte)
