Manila, June 2 -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has asked transportation authorities to investigate reports of alleged increases in passenger and cargo air fares in Eastern Visayas, especially in routes leading to the cities of Ormoc and Tacloban in Leyte and Catarman in Northern Samar.

In a statement Monday, the OCD said it has directed its appeal to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

In a letter to DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon, OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno expressed concern that recent restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge may have contributed to these fare hikes.

He underscored the urgency of immediate intervention to...