Severe Tropical Storm Opong Halts Sea Travel, Stranding Over 1,000 Passengers in Bicol Region Ports

Severe Tropical Storm Opong, locally known as Bualoi, has caused significant disruptions to sea travel in the Bicol Region, resulting in more than 1,000 passengers stranded across six ports, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG-5).

PCG-5 Commander Commodore Ivan Roldan reported that as of Thursday, a total of 1,120 passengers, 426 rolling cargo units, and 12 roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels remain immobilized at key ports including Pio Duran in Albay; Masbate City, Mintac, and Cawayan in Masbate; and Matnog and Castilla in Sorsogon.

In addition, 34 other RoRo vessels are currently taking shelter as the PCG command center continues to monitor maritime traffic around the clock.

"PCG personnel stationed at all ports in the region are on heightened alert to swiftly address any emergencies brought about by Opong," Roldan stated.

Over 400 personnel, comprising disaster response groups (DRG) from Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur, have been deployed. These teams are equipped with life vests, ropes, and communication devices essential for search and rescue operations.

Roldan reassured the public that first aid, rescue, and communication facilities remain fully functional and prepared for potential incidents.

For emergencies or inquiries, the public is encouraged to contact PCG Bicol and its stations via the following hotlines:

• Coast Guard District Bicol: 09776121237
• Coast Guard Station Sorsogon: 09091141877
• Coast Guard Station Camarines Sur: 09463539906
• Coast Guard Station Albay: 09275640600
• Coast Guard Station Masbate: 09637777190
• Coast Guard Station Camarines Norte: 09682805965
• Coast Guard Station Catanduanes: 09478310880

Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Opong has intensified, with maximum sustained winds reaching 110 kilometers per hour and gusts up to 135 kilometers per hour, further complicating maritime conditions in the affected areas.