SIATON: The Philippine Coast Guard Station in Negros Oriental has successfully cleared Tambobo Bay in Siaton town of mooring lines and shipwrecks, paving the way for the commencement of roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) operations at the port.

According to Philippines News Agency, Lt. Marionne Abigail Enopia, the commander of the Coast Guard in Negros Oriental, announced that the clearing operations started on Monday. Scuba divers were deployed to remove submerged mooring lines that had been used by fishing boats. These lines were obstructing the channel at the bay's mouth, which needed to be clear for the Ro-Ro vessel to pass safely toward Tambobo Port.

Enopia reassured that fishing boats could continue to use mooring lines or drop anchor in areas of the bay where Ro-Ro operations would not be affected. The first voyage of M/V Ocean 6 from Siaton to Pulauan Port in Dapitan City, originally planned for last Sunday, has been rescheduled to Friday to finalize preparations.

The activation of Tambobo Port in Barangay Bonbonon, Siaton, is a temporary measure to address the rerouting of large cargo trucks to Negros Oriental due to the ongoing repair of the San Juanico Bridge. Ocean 6 is capable of accommodating up to 30 trucks per trip and will initially operate a daily service to and from Tambobo port.

Fishing boats continue to have access to the port, except for areas designated for the Ro-Ro vessel and trucks. Additionally, the Coast Guard has cleared half-submerged or destroyed fishing boats from the port vicinity and other sections of the bay where private yachts are anchored.

Though not their primary responsibility, the Coast Guard is assisting the Philippine Ports Authority in clearing the bay of shipwrecks to ensure safe navigation and operations.