The Philippine Coast Guard in Eastern Visayas has temporarily suspended all sea travel across the three provinces of Samar Island following the hoisting of Signal No. 1 due to Tropical Depression Ada.

The suspension is expected to affect more than a thousand students, workers, and other passengers who regularly rely on small watercraft for daily travel between the mainland and island villages and municipalities.

State weather bureau PAGASA placed Eastern Samar, Samar, and Northern Samar under Signal No. 1 in a bulletin issued at 11 a.m.

In its advisory, PAGASA said Tropical Depression Ada is forecast to pass close to or make landfall over Eastern Visayas on Friday, January 16, or early Saturday, 17 January.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard District Eastern Visayas (CGDEV) activated its Deployable Response Group (DRG) on 14 January 2026, placing teams on standby at its headquarters, Coast Guard stations, and sub-stations in the region.

The Coast Guard said DRG teams have been strategically prepositioned to ensure maximum readiness and allow for rapid deployment if needed.

“This is to safeguard affected communities by delivering prompt and effective assistance, mitigating risks and enhance overall safety,” the CGDEV said.