MANILA -- A total of 5,558 passengers were stranded in various ports in the country due to Typhoon Tisoy (international name Kammuri), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said Monday.
PCG spokesperson, Capt. Armando Balilo, in an interview at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) headquarters in Makati City, said the passengers were stranded as all maritime-based transport modes were suspended as a precautionary measure for the approaching typhoon.
“Lahat ng ships, barges and buses -- halimbawa tatawid po ng Batangas papunta ng Mindoro, Mindoro to Caticlan, gayundin sa papunta ng Siargao, pa-Matnog, Sorsogon, yung Leyte, yung Samar, lahat po yan ay hindi na po papayagan (All ships, barges, and buses -- for example, those going Mindoro through Batangas, Mindoro to Caticlan, as well as those going to Siargao, to Matnog, Sorsogon, to Leyte, and Samar, all those will not be allowed),” Balilo said.
Based on a memorandum circular issued in 2013, no vessel will be allowed to sail when Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 1 or higher is hoisted within its point of origin, the intended route, and point of destination.
The moratorium also covers recreational activities such as scuba diving, island hopping, and other tourist activities.
The suspension order, Balilo said, was given by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade to the PCG, the Land Transportation Office, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to ensure safety of the public.
The stranded passengers were mostly in Southern Tagalog, Western Visayas, Bicol and Eastern Visayas.
“Ang pinakamarami ay yung sa Matnog, tapos yung tatawid ng island sa kabila (The port with the greatest number of stranded passengers is in Matnog, and then the one across the island),” Balilo said.
“Marami rin pong stranded, may mga 300 passengers dito sa Batangas (There are also many stranded, about 300 passengers in Batangas),” he added.
Although stranded passengers will be taken care of through meals and other services provided by agencies under the DOTr and the respective local government units, Balilo said those planning to cross the country’s waters must postpone their plans until the suspension of maritime transportation is lifted.
“Kung hindi naman po importante yung mga lakad sa kasalukuyan, i-delay na lang po muna natin para hindi po kayo makadagdag dun sa mga stranded dun sa mga ports (If your trips are not urgent, let’s delay that so that you won’t add to the number of stranded passengers in our ports),” Balilo said.
He added that those stranded in ports could face problems such as lack of hygiene due to the limited capacity of lavatories in congested port facilities.
The lifting of the suspension on maritime transportation, the official said, will be made once Tisoy leaves the affected areas.
“Mananatili po yung pagpigil sa maritime activities hanggat meron pong public storm warning signal sa mga areas na yan (The moratorium on maritime activities will remain as long as there are public storm warning signal in these areas),” Balilo said.
Prior to the interview, the MMDA and other government agencies announced that Metro Manila is prepared for the coming typhoon.
Preparations made include the placement of emergency responders in areas historically-susceptible to flooding and landslides, removal of billboards, and other measures meant to achieve zero-casualty for the typhoon.
Tisoy is expected to batter the Bicol Region beginning Monday night and is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rains over most parts of Luzon and the Visayas, including Metro Manila. (PNA)
