MANILA — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) urged the public to postpone non-essential travel to areas affected by Tropical Depression Aghon.
This after the the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in several areas in Visayas and Mindanao.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago reminded ports to follow the protocols and the "No Sail Zone Policy" issued by the Philippine Coast Guard.
"We have directed all the PMOs (Port Management Offices) to stay alert and to prioritize the safety of the passengers and the employees of the ports affected by TD Aghon," Santiago said in a statement.
The PPA is on high alert status as Aghon gathers strength.
All voyages of vessels and watercrafts plying from mainland Surigao del Norte to Dinagat Islands and the Siargao/Bucas Grande group of islands have been suspended.
All ports in Negros Oriental and Siquijor provinces are in normal operations amid light rains, according to the PPA.
No vessel schedules were canceled but all terminals were instructed to ensure passenger comfort and safety.
In Masbate four trips were cancelled -- Mintac - Calbayog - Cebu, v.v. MV Masbate City; Cawayan - Pulambato, Bogo, v.v. MV Palanas Star; Mobo - Calbayog - Cebu, v.v. MV Pio V. Corpuz Star; and Mobo - Pio Duran, v.v. MV Cataingan Star.
NDRRMC on red alert
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has raised ‘red alert’ as part of precautionary measures amid the weather disturbance.
NDRRMC executive director Edgar Posadas, in an online briefing, said the ‘red alert’ has been raised starting 5 p.m. Friday.
This means that all personnel are on standby for immediate response to the effects of Aghon.
Posadas said the response clusters will be convening a meeting to determine their preparedness and readiness and be "aware of issues and concerns as early as possible." (with Priam Nepomuceno/PNA)
