PITX: Bicol-bound bus trips continue despite Mayon eruption

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Despite Mayon Volcano's eruption on Friday morning, bus trips bound for Bicol from the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) remain uninterrupted.

In a "24 Oras" report by Jonathan Andal, PITX said six out of every 10 buses bound for Bicol were already fully booked. However, walk-in passengers could still be accommodated on ordinary and air-conditioned buses with available seats.

While some Bicol-bound passengers expressed concern over Mayon's eruption, they still pushed through with their trips. Others, meanwhile, were unaware of the volcanic activity.

“Nakakapagalala kasi wala po kaming balita talaga na pumutok pala yung bulkan. Hangga’t mayroon pong bumabyahe, parang tutuloy po kami,” said Daisy Belga, a passenger bound for Albay.

(It's worrying because we had no idea that the volcano had erupted. But as long as buses are still operating, we will push through with our trip.)

“Kinakabahan, pero mostly kasi tagilid naman kami, [sa] Polangui. Medyo gilid man pero abot kami ng ashfall,” added Virgie Magalona, another passenger bound for Albay.

(I'm nervous, but we're somewhat off to the side in Polangui. Even though we're not directly in the affected area, ashfall can still reach us.)

In Andal's report, a bus company said its drivers traveling to Bicol had reported no problems along their routes. However, driver Lito Rodriguez said he would remain cautious.

“Medyo delikado. Magpapa-ano na lang, magpapababa muna ng abo,” Rodriguez said.

(It's somewhat dangerous. I'll just wait for the ash to settle first.)

PITX said buses with online reservation systems were already fully booked, but many buses without online booking options continued to operate even without full passenger loads.

Since October 25, PITX has recorded more than one million passengers.

The terminal's security personnel have also confiscated hundreds of prohibited items, including pointed objects and flammable materials.

Passengers heading to their hometowns brought various types of luggage, with some even traveling with their pets.

PITX said pets are generally allowed on buses with their owners, provided they comply with the requirements.

“Usually ina-allow ng mga buses natin. Dapat po may cage, vaccination card at siyempre diaper po,” PITX Deputy Spokesperson Kolyn Gervacio-Calbasa said.

(Our buses generally allow pets, provided they are in cages and have vaccination cards and diapers.)

Meanwhile, large crowds of passengers have also started gathering at the Five Star bus terminal in Cubao, Quezon City, with some trips bound for Cagayan already fully booked.

Victory Liner has increased its trips to Baguio to 250 from the previous 150, as it expects passenger volume on the route to double to 10,000 starting October 31, 2026. —Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/VBL, GMA News