Tropical Depression ‘Paeng’ to spoil long-weekend vacation

The Philippine Coast Guard on Thursday urged vacationers, particularly those going to the Visayas region, to book their voyages early because Tropical Depression "Paeng" might ruin their five-day escapade, as "Paeng" is set to make landfall this coming weekend and affect all sailing schedules.

"There's an automatic halt on sailing when Signal #1 is hoisted, wherein small watercraft and vessels are not allowed to sail," said Commodore Armand Balilo, spokesperson of the PCG.

He added the PCG is now on full alert and is monitoring all ports.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Thursday morning said "Paeng" was at 660 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 70 kph.

Signal #1 is already hoisted over the following areas: the northern portion of Eastern Samar (San Julian, Sulat, Taft, Can-Avid, Dolores, Maslog, Oras, San Policarpo, Arteche, Jipapad, City of Borongan) and the eastern portion of Northern Samar (Lapinig, Gamay, Mapanas, Palapag, Laoang, Pambujan, Catubig, Las Navas).

"Nag-abiso na rin si Admiral Artemio Abu kahapon sa pagbisita niya sa Manila North Harbor Port na tumutok sa balita ang mga pasahero para malaman ang lagay ng panahon at maging ligtas at maayos ang biyahe nila," Balilo told the Daily Tribune.

Per the latest report, voyages to Romblon and Masbate have been canceled.

"Nakaalerto na po ang PCG Station Romblon sa posibleng epekto ng #PaengPH sa kanilang area of responsibility! Nakahanda na ang mga deployable response groups ng PCG sa iba't-ibang munisipalidad sa Romblon para agad na maka-responde sa oras na kailanganin ang paglikas ng mga residente o pagsasagawa ng rescue operation," according to the PCG advisory.

The PCG said it will provide the latest update within the next hours.