Manila: The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Eastern Visayas: placed all its stations and substations under heightened alert status in response to the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi). PCG District Eastern Visayas commander Capt. Jonathan Marfil ordered more personnel to be sent to the Samar provinces to improve monitoring, strengthen safety at ports, and ensure quick communication with local governments and partner agencies. 'We assure the public that our personnel remain fully committed to safeguarding lives and property amid the adverse weather conditions,' Marfil said in a statement Thursday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the PCG has deployed its disaster response groups, quick response teams, and floating assets to key areas to support emergency operations. Rigorous pre-departure inspections are being conducted to enforce maritime safety protocols and prevent maritime incidents, according to Marfil.

The Coast Guard has suspended sea travel in eastern Leyte, Biliran, Samar, Eastern Samar, and Northern Samar as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration raised tropical cyclone wind signals in the region since Wednesday noon. In a notice to mariners, the PCG said it is enforcing temporary suspensions of voyages for all types of vessels or watercraft.

Maritime stakeholders are strongly advised to closely monitor weather advisories and sea condition bulletins, as voyage suspensions may be implemented in areas affected by the storm.