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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider LTO warns vs non-essential travel to Bicol, Visayas as 'Opong' further intensifies

LTO warns vs non-essential travel to Bicol, Visayas as 'Opong' further intensifies

Published Sep 24, 2025 06:30 pm
(Land Transportation Office)
(Land Transportation Office)
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has advised all motorists heading to the Bicol Region, Visayas and Mindanao to suspend non-essential travels due to the threat of “Opong” which has already developed into a severe tropical storm.
LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II said the travel advisory he signed was in response to the request for assistance from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to assist in warning land travelers to at least delay their travel for a few days.
Based on the request of the NDRRMC, it said the travel advisory should cover travels to the provinces of Masbate and Catanduanes, the Visayas Region and Mindanao and should immediately take effect.
“This is to prevent clogging of essential roads and thoroughfares that will be crucial in the immediate delivery of relief to the areas likely to be affected by the tropical cyclone, as well as to ensure the safety and well-being of motorists,” the NDRRMC request read.
Mendoza said he immediately issued the travel advisory in order to maximize the information dissemination on the danger of land and sea travels.
“This is also aimed at ensuring the safety of our kababayan. We have to ensure their safety amid this threat from ‘Opong’” said Mendoza.
On its current track, Opong is forecast to continue moving west-northwestward and may make landfall over Bicol region by Friday, Sept. 26, either in the morning or afternoon, before crossing Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila.
Weather experts said “Opong” intensified further over the Philippine Sea on Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 24 and was last located 670 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 115 kph.
Several areas in Bicol and Eastern Visayas region were already placed under alert levels 1 and 2.
Mendoza said LTO offices in the areas covered by the travel advisory were tasked to closely monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.
He also urged motorists and passengers to prioritize safety and stay informed through official weather reports and government advisories.
Mendoza said the advisory will be lifted as soon as a clearance is given by proper authorities.
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