TANDAG CITY (MindaNews / 14 January) — The Philippine Coast Guard has temporarily suspended sea travel across the Caraga Region following the development of Tropical Depression Ada.
According to the PAGASA weather bureau, in its Tropical Cyclone Bulletin issued 5 p.m. Wednesday, Ada was estimated at 545 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. PAGASA raised Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals No. 1 in Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte and Surigao del Sur, aside from the whole of Samar Island.
The Philippine Coast Guard stations in Siargao, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Agusan del Norte ordered the suspension of voyages of passenger vessels, fishing boats, and small watercraft, particularly along routes affected by the weather disturbance and placed all units in the Caraga Region on red alert in response, according to the Coast Guard District Northeastern Mindanao (CGDNEM).
The measure is in line with PCG Memorandum Circular No. 02-23 on vessel movement during heavy weather.
In a statement, Lieutenant Junior Grade Jazel C. Besas, CGDNEM public information officer, said the Coast Guard has activated its Deployable Response Group (DRG) across the region in close coordination with partner agencies.
“All Coast Guard units are continuously monitoring sea conditions and coastal areas. Maritime safety regulations, including sea travel advisories and voyage suspensions, are being strictly enforced,” she said.
The Coast Guard emphasized that the public should follow official weather updates, avoid unnecessary sea travel, and report any maritime emergencies.
The CGDNEM confirms that they are conducting continuous port monitoring, deploying personnel at terminals and coastal areas and performing strict vessel inspections to ensure safety.
As of this report, no maritime incidents have been confirmed and information on stranded passengers and cargoes is still being consolidated.
Residents, fishermen and sea travelers in Caraga are advised to remain vigilant and strictly follow Coast Guard advisories until conditions improve.
The Coast Guard clarified that RORO vessels operating on identified “main supply routes” in the Caraga Region may be allowed to sail but only under strict conditions, like the vessel must be over 300 gross tons, daytime travel only, during calm to moderate sea conditions, and cargo load must not exceed 75 percent of capacity. (Queenie Casio / MindaNews)
