Iloilo city: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Western Visayas is preparing for emergency response measures to address possible effects of Tropical Storm Basyang (international name Penha).
According to Philippines News Agency, a situation report from the PCG District Western Visayas (CGDWV) indicated that deployable response groups (DRGs) are being organized to ensure preventative, organized, and fast response to any incidents or calamities brought by bad weather.
The CGDWV stated, "Layunin ng pag-activate ng DRGs na palakasin ang kahandaan ng distrito sa search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, at disaster response, lalo na sa mga coastal at flood-prone areas sa Western Visayas (The goal of activating DRGs is to boost the readiness of each district in search and rescue operations, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response, especially in coastal and flood-prone areas in Western Visayas)."
The PCG also warned fisherfolk, mariners, and sea passengers to delay their voyages and to follow the official advice and warning from the PCG and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration to avoid untoward incidents.
In its latest advisory, the PCG reported that 40 ports nationwide have been affected by the effects of TS Basyang. A total of 3,865 passengers, drivers, and cargo helpers; 1,127 rolling cargoes; 79 vessels; and one motorbanca are currently stranded in these ports.
