Masbate: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday announced the temporary suspension of sea travel in Masbate and Sorsogon as a precautionary measure due to Tropical Depression (TD) Verbena. The suspension affects all vessels and watercraft within the jurisdiction of PCG stations in Masbate and Sorsogon, particularly those bound for Surigao del Norte.
According to Philippines News Agency, the suspension decision comes in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 issued over mainland Masbate and Surigao del Norte by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA). This directive aligns with PCG Memorandum Circular 02-23, which outlines the regulations for vessel movement during adverse weather conditions.
Both PCG Station Masbate and PCG Station Sorsogon are actively collaborating with local government units and shipping companies to ensure adherence to the suspension and to facilitate ongoing monitoring. Penalties have been outlined for any breaches of this directive.
As of Monday noon, there have been significant disruptions in several regions. In the Southern Tagalog Region, 379 individuals, 41 rolling cargoes, and three vessels are stranded at Lucena and Romblon ports. The Bicol region reports 383 individuals, 188 rolling cargoes, and seven vessels stranded across multiple ports including Pioduran and Aroroy. Western Visayas has seen 706 individuals, 362 rolling cargoes, and 10 vessels stranded at ports such as Ilo-Ilo Fastcraft and Dumangas.
Southern Visayas reports 345 individuals, 169 rolling cargoes, and 17 vessels stranded across ports including Barcelona and Yap. Central Visayas has 233 individuals, 69 rolling vessels, 20 vessels, and 24 motorbancas stranded at locations such as Bantayan Pier and Polambato Pier. Eastern Visayas reports 327 individuals, 165 rolling cargoes, and three vessels stranded at ports like Naval and Maripipi.
In Northern Mindanao, two vessels are stranded at Cagayan de Oro Port, Plaridel Port, and Port of Balingoan. Overall, the PCG reports that 88 vessels and 24 motorbancas are stranded, affecting a total of 3,285 passengers and 1,341 rolling cargoes across the affected regions.
