Philippine Ports Authority personnel in Bicol region distribute free food to stranded passengers on Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024. (photo: PPA)
Around 4,300 passengers were stranded in various ports across the country following the cancellation of trips due to heavy rains and strong winds spawned by tropical storm “Kristine”, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said on Tuesday, Oct. 22.
Citing reports from several Port Management Offices, the PPA said most of the stranded passengers are in Eastern Leyte and Samar with 2,002 stranded passengers, followed by Bicol Region with almost 2,000 passengers.
Ports in Marinduque and Quezon province reported around 240 stranded passengers Western Leyte and Biliran ports reported 71 passengers.
Around 50 stranded passengers were also reported in Surigao ports while several others were also stranded in various ports in Masbate, Panay, Guimaras, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago earlier ordered all port managers to attend to the stranded passengers, including the order to provide their basic needs.
In response, port managers of the affected areas have provided food and water to the stranded passengers.
The Philippine Coast Guard earlier cancelled a number of trips across the country as part of the safety measures due to the bad weather condition.