7,500 passengers stranded due to Paeng

MANILA, Philippines — Around 7,500 passengers were stranded in various ports in the country after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended all maritime activities due to heavy rains and strong winds spawned by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

The PCG said 2,353 rolling cargoes, 107 vessels and 22 motorized boats were not allowed to sail due to very rough to high seas.

It said 184 vessels and 350 motorized boats took shelter in various ports.

The PCG suspended port operations in Virac and San Andres in Catanduanes; Pasacao and  Tamban in Camarines Sur, Tabaco, Rapu-Rapu and  Pioduran in Albay; Matnog and Pilar in Sorsogon, and San Pascual, Mobo, Masbate City, Mintac, Aroroy and Cawayan  in Masbate.

Port operations in Tabuelan, Madridejos, Carmen, Bogo City, Daanbantayan, San Remigio, Mainit, Cuartel Oslob, Thangil wharf and Talisay City anchorage in Cebu province and Pier 1 and Pier 4 in Cebu City were also suspended due to moderate to rough sea conditions.

Trips in the ports of Dana, Tubigon, Tagbilaran, Getafe and Pilar in Bohol; Poro in Cebu; Dumaguete City; Sibulan and Amlan in Negros Oriental and Siquijor were canceled.

In Eastern Visayas, the PCG canceled trips in the ports of Palompon, Maasin, Liloan, San Ricardo, Silago, Limasawa, Balwharteco, Dapdap, San Isidro, Oras, Dolores, Guiuan, Maguinoo, Daram and Naval.

All sea trips in Southern Tagalog ports were also suspended.

In Northeastern Mindanao, ports in Nasipit, Surigao Base, Lipata, Feeder, Dapa, General Luna Jetty Wharf, Del Carmen, Sta Monica, San Jose, Libjo, Loreto, Escolta, Wilson, Dona, Picop Pier II and Tandag  were affected by moderate to rough sea conditions.

More than 100 stranded passengers in Batangas port took shelter at the Malainin evacuation center in Ibaan town.

Lito Castro, Batangas Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office chief, said the stranded passengers decided to stay in the evacuation center until authorities lift sea travel suspensions.

Many of the passengers were supposed to go to the provinces to visit the graves of their departed loved ones. – Arnell Ozaeta