More than 6,000 people, mostly in Visayas, stranded due to 'Sendong'

More than 6,000 people were stranded in various ports, most of them in the Visayas area, amid stormy weather brought by tropical storm "Sendong" (international name: Washi).   The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said the stranded passengers included 3,229 in Cebu, according to a report of radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo.   At least 600 were stranded in Dumaguete (Negros Oriental) while more than 500 were stranded in Maasin (Southern Leyte), the Coast Guard added.   Also stranded were 55 rolling cargoes, 56 vessels, 19 motor bancas, and six buses.   Storm Signal No. 2 had been hoisted over at least 20 areas in Visayas and Mindanao as of 11 a.m. Friday. At least 16 more areas were placed under Signal No. 1.   Under the Coast Guard's Memorandum Circular No. 01-09, "Vessels of 1,000 gross tons or below shall not sail, except to take shelter, when (Signal) number 1 is hoisted within its point of origin or route or point of destination."   On the other hand, the memorandum said "Vessels of any tonnage shall not sail, except to take shelter, when PSWS number 2 or higher is hoisted within its point of origin or route or point of destination."   Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said aviation authorities and the Coast Guard have "the authority to suspend the travel by air and sea respectively." - VVP, GMA News