Sea travel in Davao Oriental resumed on Saturday after being suspended on Friday due to two powerful earthquakes off the province’s coast, which prompted tsunami warnings.
In its advisory, the Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSM) announced the lifting of the suspension, following the cancellation of tsunami alerts by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
“Normal maritime operations are authorized to resume effective immediately,” the advisory stated.
The suspension had affected multiple coastal communities and inter-island trips after a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck offshore Manay at 9:43 a.m. on Friday, followed by a magnitude 6.8 tremor at 7:12 p.m. the same day.
The twin quakes, classified by PHIVOLCS as a doublet, triggered emergency protocols, including the suspension of sea travel and precautionary evacuations in coastal areas.
Now that the tsunami warnings have been lifted and sea conditions are stable, the Coast Guard has allowed vessels to operate but emphasized continued vigilance.
“All ships and watercraft transiting within the CGDSM Area of Responsibility are advised to take note of the information and observe precautionary measures at all times,” the advisory added.
No major incidents at sea were reported during the suspension.
Port operations are expected to return to normal throughout the weekend, although authorities continue to monitor aftershocks and possible changes in sea conditions.
Residents and travelers are urged to stay updated through official advisories and remain alert for further announcements.