BUTUAN CITY (MindaNews/ November 24)– Sea voyages, classes, and some government work across the Caraga Region were suspended on Monday, November 24, 2025, as Tropical Depression (TD) Verbena continued to move westward toward northeastern Mindanao, bringing heavy rainfall and the threat of strong winds.
The Coast Guard Station Surigao del Norte (CGS-SDN) announced the temporary suspension of voyages of all vessels and watercraft of any type or tonnage traveling from mainland Surigao del Norte to affected areas.
The advisory followed the release of Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 1 by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAGASA) at 5:00 a.m., which placed several areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1.
On land, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Agusan del Norte suspended classes at all levels across the province on Monday as heavy rains continued.
Butuan City Mayor Lawrence Fortun also ordered the suspension of classes at all levels and work in all government agencies due to rainfall brought by TD Verbena. He likewise encouraged private companies to halt operations for safety.
Across Agusan del Sur, the local governments of San Luis, Loreto, Prosperidad, Talacogon, La Paz, Bayugan City, Esperanza, San Francisco, and Sta. Josefa declared a suspension of classes in both public and private schools.
In Surigao del Norte, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) advised city and municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils to decide on suspensions based on conditions in their respective areas. Several LGUs, including Dapa, General Luna, Placer, Burgos, Malimono, Tubod, and Claver, have already suspended classes.
Meanwhile, the Surigao del Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) issued Advisory No. 17, directing all mayors to heighten preparedness and precautionary measures to ensure zero casualties across the province. Governor Johnny T. Pimentel, PDRRMC chairman, ordered the activation of the Emergency Preparedness Protocol (EPP), the 24-hour manning of Emergency Operations Centers, immediate precautionary actions in flood- and landslide-prone communities (including coastal villages), and temporary suspension of sailing and other water-based activities.
Local government units (LGUs) across Surigao del Sur, specifically the municipalities of Lanuza, Marihatag, Cantilan, San Miguel, and Tandag City, enforced class suspensions in both public and private schools.
Classes at all levels were also suspended in Dinagat Islands, Tubajon, Loreto, San Jose, and Libjo.
As of 7:00 a.m. Monday, the center of the tropical depression was estimated at 290 kilometers east of Surigao City, Surigao del Norte, with maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour.
By 4:00 p.m., Verbena was located in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte, carrying maximum sustained winds of 45 kph, with gusts of up to 75 kph, moving west-northwest at 30 kph.
The Philippine Coast Guard’s Northeastern Mindanao District Stations has issued a comprehensive advisory suspending voyages across key sea routes in the Caraga region, including Surigao del Norte (including Siargao Island and the Dinagat Islands), Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Norte.
Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 1 remains raised over the entire Caraga region with DOST-PAGASA also forecasting 100–200 mm of rainfall.
According to PAGASA’s track forecast, Verbena is projected to cross the Visayas and the northern portion of Palawan from Monday until Wednesday, November 26, before emerging over the West Philippine Sea, where it may potentially intensify into a tropical storm.
PAGASA urged the public and local disaster risk reduction and management offices to continue taking necessary precautions to protect life and property, especially those living in areas highly susceptible to floods and landslides. Residents were advised to comply with evacuation orders and instructions issued by their local officials. (Ivy Marie Mangadlao with a report from Queenie Casio /MindaNews)
