LEGAZPI CITY, Albay – The Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) has issued a memorandum on a no-sail policy Thursday morning for fisher folks which will be implemented starting October 29 due to an approaching storm.
RDRRMC chairman and Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol regional director Claudio Yucot said fisher folks, especially those using small boats, are advised not to sail starting Thursday, including large fishing vessels that stay in the open sea for two or more days.
Yucot said they want to ensure that there will be no more lives lost from the fishery sector due to the weather disturbance.
During the height of typhoon “Quinta,” (international name: Molave) at least 12 fishermen were reported missing in Catanduanes, six of them died while two others remain missing.
In Albay province, three fishermen from Rapu-Rapu town were found floating by local fishermen in Brgy. Laoang, Northern Samar on Sunday. Seven others were reported missing but they were found safe.
“Fisher folks may resume fishing upon the lifting of gale warnings in respective seaboards and careful assessment of the local DRRM officers and local Philippine Coast Guard (PCG),” Yucot said.
In an interview with the Manila Bulletin, Gremil Naz, OCD-Bicol spokesperson, said that enforcement will be strictly implemented by local government units (LGUs).
“Pwede po hindi mag implement ang LGUs at their discretion kung hindi sila directly maaapektuhan ng bagyo, unless otherwise, may gale warning na po,” Naz said.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services (PAGASA), “Goni” has already intensified into a severe tropical storm while moving westward at 10 kph with a maximum sustained winds of 95 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.
“Goni” will be named “Rolly” once it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and will be nearest the Bicol region on Sunday morning.