BACOLOD CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-Negros Occidental temporarily cancelled the trips from the province to Cebu due to Severe Tropical Storm Odette.
Capt. Ludovico Librilla Jr., PCG-Negros Occidental commander, issued an advisory on Wednesday, Dec. 15, for the suspension of trips from Escalante City to Tuburan, Cebu and vice-versa; Sagay City to Tabuelan, Cebu and vice-versa; and San Carlos City to Toledo City, Cebu and vice-versa.
All fishing banca/vessels plying in the area of responsibility are not allowed to venture at sea.
Librilla said that Typhoon Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was hoisted in some province of Visayas and Mindanao, including Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Samar, Biliran, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bohol, and the northern and central portion of Cebu, including Bantayan and Camotes islands.
This was in reference to the tropical cyclone bulletin issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) released around 5 a.m. on Dec. 15.
Librilla also reiterated that “no vessel of any type or tonnage shall be allowed to sail except to take shelter, as the situtaion may warrant, when Signal No. 1 is hoisted within port of origin, the intended route, and its point of destination.
As of press time, PCG has not reported any stranded passengers in the province.
Meanwhile, all PCG units in Western Visayas are on standby for possible evacuation, rescue operations and relief missions in coordination with local government units.
The PCG activated its deployable response groups (DRGs) and quick response teams (QRTs), and inspect available search and rescue (SAR) assets and equipment.