MANILA -- More than 4,500 passengers were stranded in ports across the country Friday due to inclement weather brought about by Typhoon Ompong.
In its advisory, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said as of 12 noon, a total of 4,556 passengers, 611 rolling cargoes, 61 motor bancas and 55 vessels were stranded in Metro Manila, Southern Tagalog, Bicol, western, eastern and southern Visayas, and southwestern Mindanao.
It advised all Coast Guard units to ensure strict implementation of PCG Memorandum Circular Number 02-13 containing the guidelines on movement of vessels during heavy weather.
Under the guidelines, no vessel of any type or tonnage shall be allowed to sail except to take shelter, as the situation may warrant, when tropical cyclone warning signal No. 1 or higher is hoisted within its point of origin, the intended route, and point of destination.
“Ompong” is expected to threaten northern Luzon and enhance the southwest monsoon resulting in heavy rains, floods and landslides, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. (PR/PNA)
