Passengers from both Iloilo and Guimaras had to endure eight long days as motor banca operations were suspended. But on Aug. 13, 2019, passengers were greeted with good news as the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) officially lifted the suspension and finally allowed motor bancas to resume operations. The lifting of suspension of authority to operate was contained in a memorandum issued by Jose Venancio Vero, Jr., MARINA regional director, stating “upon the directive of the officer-in-charge, MARINA and in order to address the stranding of passengers in Guimaras, the suspension of operation of passenger bancas in the Guimaras to Iloilo and vice versa route is hereby temporarily lifted subject to conductions.”

Rendon, J. P., & Santiagudo, E. R. (2019, August 14). Back at sea: Motor banca operations resume with restrictions. Daily Guardian, pp. 1, 14.