Hundreds of passengers and cargo workers were stranded at ports across Luzon and the Visayas on Monday as the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) monitored maritime disruptions caused by the southwest monsoon, or habagat.
From 8 a.m. to noon on August 10, the PCG reported that 23 ports in Western Visayas, Bicol, Southern Tagalog and Central Visayas were affected by the weather disturbance.
A total of 359 passengers, truck drivers and cargo helpers, along with 61 rolling cargoes and nine vessels, were stranded during the monitoring period.
Southern Tagalog recorded the largest number of stranded passengers, with 222, as well as 17 rolling cargoes. The PCG monitored conditions at 10 ports in the area, including Real Port, Port of Lucena, Port of San Andres, Roxas Port, Romblon Port, San Agustin Port, Looc Port, Batangas Port, Calatagan Port and Wawa Port.
In Central Visayas, 55 passengers, 14 rolling cargoes and seven vessels were stranded at eight monitored ports, including Hagnaya Port, Daanbantayan Pier, Cogtong Bay, Anda in Bohol, Tudela Port, Hagutapay Port, Pilar Port and Poro Port.
Western Visayas recorded 67 stranded passengers, 30 rolling cargoes and two vessels at Alegria Port and the Brgy. Union Port in Nabas. In Bicol, 15 passengers were stranded at Pasacao Port.
To ride out the adverse weather, maritime assets also sought shelter in several areas. The PCG reported 25 vessels, 318 motorbancas, six tugboats and three barges taking shelter across the affected regions.
Southern Tagalog accounted for 114 vessels, six tugboats and three barges taking shelter, while Central Visayas reported nine vessels and 318 motorbancas. Two vessels in Western Visayas were also reported to be taking shelter.
The PCG continues to monitor port conditions as the southwest monsoon affects sea travel and maritime activities. Passengers and shipping operators are advised to coordinate with port authorities and check weather and sailing advisories before proceeding with their trips.