Dauin: The Philippine Coast Guard has halted all sea travel to and from Apo Island in Dauin, Negros Oriental due to rough seas brought about by the northeast monsoon, known locally as 'amihan.'
According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Marionne Abigal Enopia, commander of Coast Guard Station Negros Oriental, stated in an interview that the advisory to suspend travel was issued at 7 a.m. and remains in effect. "All passenger motor bancas to and from Apo Island via the Dauin and Malatapay, Zamboanguita wharves are not allowed to travel due to huge waves and strong winds that can put the lives of the people at risk," Enopia said.
She clarified that the Coast Guard has the authority to suspend sea travel for smaller vessels even in the absence of a gale force warning or tropical cyclone, if necessary. Additionally, Cuadro Alas Navigation Lines, Inc. has also canceled its fast craft trips from the Sibulan port (Negros Oriental) wharf to Liloan port in Santander, Cebu, as confirmed by Enopia.
Maayo Shipping, Inc., which operates roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) vessels at the Sibulan port, has relocated its barges to the Tampi port in Amlan, Negros Oriental. Enopia emphasized that during such conditions, the Coast Guard advises travelers to proceed directly to Tampi, noting that barge services to Cebu from this location are typically among the last to be canceled during adverse weather.
