PCG suspends more sea travels to Visayas areas

More trips bound for the Visayas region have been suspended Friday in anticipation of the landfall of tropical storm "Paeng."

The Philippine Coast Guard, in an advisory, said its units in Central Cebu, Camotes, Eastern Bohol, and Western Leyte imposed a temporary suspension on trips in areas under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal for all types of sea vessels.

Also suspended are all trips from Roxas City to Romblon and vice versa.

In Ilocos Norte, trips of small seacrafts in the northern and western seaboards of the province were halted, while ships were alerted of big waves.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, the PCG monitored a total of 5,726 passengers, drivers, and cargo helpers; 1,551 rolling cargoes; 76 vessels; and 7 motor bancas stranded, while 113 vessels and 90 motor bancas are docked in Bicol, Southern Tagalog, Eastern Visayas, and Central Visayas regions due to "Paeng."

PCG spokesperson, Commodore Armand Balilo, said they will be monitoring the situation in all seaports 24/7 as part of their mandate to provide safety at sea.

"On the part ng Philippine Coast Guard, 70 percent of our total force will be our frontline. All our assets, including our helicopters and planes, should be available for the operation, not just for typhoon 'Paeng' but for this All Souls and All Saints Day," Balilo said during his interview with the Daily Tribune's digital morning show on Friday.

Balilo urged vacationers to travel light and arrive earlier than the departure hour to avoid inconvenience and refrain from bringing pointed objects and destructive substances.

"Safety is all our responsibility. Let's observe All Saints Day and All Souls Day peacefully and safely," Balilo said.