148 stranded in Masbate, Bicol ports due to Opong—PCG

The Philippine Coast Guard said Sunday that 148 persons remain stranded in seaports in Bicol after the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Opong and the Southwest Monsoon. 

In its Maritime Safety Advisory, the PCG said the 148 individuals are passengers, drivers and helpers who are in seven seaports: Masbate, Mobo, Mintac, Aroroy, San Pascual, Claveria and Cawayan. 

In a Super Radyo dzBB interview, PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Guiaro-Cayabyab said all of the passengers are in the island province Masbate which suffered the brunt of Opong.

These included 62 rolling cargoes and 12 vessels in these ports. 

Also taking shelter are 40 vessels and four motorbancas.

Guirao-Cayabyab said the suspension of sea travel has been lifted but some seafarers, particularly those in small craft, have decided to stay in port due to the strong waves.

The Coast Guard is also monitoring the ports of Bulalacao, Pola and Looc in the Southern Tagalog region where four vessels and two motorbancas have sought shelter from the rough seas caused by the Southwest Monsoon or the Habagat.

The PCG said it has also rescued 12 fishermen who were previously reported as missing in four separate incidents.  

Guirao-Cayabyab said the PCG is currently assisting local government units return residents to their communities as well as the distribution of relief goods. 

The reported death toll from tropical cyclones Mirasol, Nando, Opong, and the Southwest Monsoon (Habagat) has risen to 26, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Sunday.

Masbate has been placed under a state of calamity after Opong left thousands of families affected across the province. —RF, GMA Integrated News