After the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a tsunami warning following a magnitude 8.7 earthquake that struck off Russia’s far east coast of Kamchatka, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) on Wednesday suspended all port operations throughout the archipelago.

The suspension was implemented through a memorandum signed by PPA General Manager Jay Santiago on 30 July, ordering the immediate enforcement of precautionary measures in all potentially affected areas nationwide in response to the tsunami advisory issued by Phivolcs.

As part of the safety protocol, all PPA Port Management Offices (PMOs) in identified high-risk provinces across Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were instructed to suspend all port operations involving passenger embarkation and disembarkation, as well as cargo handling, effective noon on Wednesday.

Some of the affected provinces, per the Phivolcs advisory, are as follows:
Luzon – Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon;
Visayas – Northern Samar, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte;
Mindanao – Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Davao Oriental, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro.

In coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, local government units, and terminal operators, the PPA is closely monitoring sea-level disturbances to ensure public safety. Alerts have been issued to all vessels currently docked or approaching ports, advising them to move to deeper waters if necessary.

“We urge everyone to remain alert and cooperative as we work closely with our partner agencies to monitor the situation. The safety of our people is our utmost priority,” said PPA GM Santiago.

The public is also strongly advised to avoid beaches and coastal areas during the threat period. All floating equipment, small vessels, and vulnerable port assets are being secured, while emergency response teams have been placed on standby until Phivolcs officially declares the threat over.

Port operations will resume “until further notice from Phivolcs,” according to the PPA.