CEBU CITY—More than 1,000 passengers were stranded in Cebu and Bohol ports after several trips were cancelled yesterday due to tropical depression “Samuel.”
In the 11 a.m. weather bulletin released by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), storm signal no. 1 was hoisted over Cebu and other parts in the Visayas.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard-Cebu Station, 1,538 passengers were stranded after 117 roll-on-roll-off cargo vessels, 71 vessels, and 18 motorized bancas in Cebu and Bohol ports were barred from sailing.
Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña also ordered the suspensions of classes in elementary and secondary levels.
Classes in college levels of some private and public universities here were also suspended.
Davide also ordered the suspension of outdoor tourism activities in Cebu.
“Canyoneering and trekking especially in the towns of Alegria and Badian were suspended. There are some tourists who love to do these outdoor activities when the weather is bad so we are closely monitoring this,” said Jules Regner, information officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
Regner added that PDRRMO has been closely coordinating with local government units to prepare for emergencies.
There were at least 30 Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit personnel who augmented PDRRMO’s emergency teams in inspecting flood and landslide-prone and areas.
Regner added that PDRRMO is also monitoring the situation in Barangay Tinaan in Naga City where a massive landslide took place last September 20.
In Ronda town, some residents living in low-lying areas were advised to evacuate but they refused.
“In cases where residents refuse to heed advice to evacuate, they will be made to sign waivers. Although there were no reported flooding, officials in Ronda were being cautious because of the 2014 incident where 15 residents were killed at the height of typhoon Seniang,” Regner said.
The Police Regional Office (PRO 7) was also on heightened alert yesterday.
Chief Supt. Debold Sinas, director of PRO 7, said 50 percent of personnel in city and municipal police offices must be available to respond to any eventualities.(Calvin D. Cordova)
