PCG monitoring six ports amid Habagat

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Tuesday that it is monitoring six ports amid the persisting bad weather condition due to the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat.

“As of the moment, mayroon tayong naitala na six ports na binabantayan po natin. Ito po yung Port of Lazi sa Siquijor; San Andres sa may southern Quezon; San Jose Port sa Occidental Mindoro; Balanacan Port sa may Mogpog; and Cavite Gateway sa may Tanza,” said PCG Spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab in state television PTV’s special coverage on the effects of Habagat.

(As of the moment, we have six ports that we are monitoring. These are the Port of Lazi in Siquijor; San Andres in southern Quezon; San Jose Port in Occidental Mindoro; Balanacan Port in Mogpog; and Cavite Gateway in Tanza.)

From 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Tuesday, the PCG data showed that there are currently 21 stranded passengers and one vessel stranded in Cavite Gateway Terminal.

Meanwhile, six vessels and 47 motorbancas are taking shelter in the said port.

In the Port of Lazi, there are two vessels and four motorbancas taking shelter for the meantime.

The PCG reminded the public to avoid sailing given the inclement weather. If needed, the agency advised everyone to bring life jackets with them.

“Kung hindi pa rin maganda ang panahon sa inyong mga lugar ay iwasan na po natin na maglayag. Kung maari ay i-check muna natin ang mga paalala o impormasyon galing sa PAGASA. Kung hindi maiiwasan, siguraduhin lang po talaga natin na magdala tayo ng mga floating jackets or life jackets,” said Cayabyab.

(If the weather is still not good in your area, please avoid sailing. If possible, check the warnings or information from PAGASA first. If unavoidable, please make sure to bring floating jackets or life jackets.)

The PCG has also deployed free bus and truck rides since Monday to assist commuters with routes from Quiapo to Angono in Rizal and Fairview in Quezon City; and from Lawton to Alabang, Muntinlupa City. It added a new route on Tuesday from  Roxas Boulevard to Sucat, Parañaque. — BAP, GMA Integrated News