Manila: The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on Friday advised passenger bus companies and other public transport operators to suspend trips to Sorsogon and nearby areas due to the inclement weather brought by Tropical Storm (TS) Ada. In a statement, LTFRB Chair Vigor Mendoza II also urged passengers and motorists to postpone their travel to the area until weather conditions improve or wait for guidance from authorities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the LTFRB is taking these precautionary measures as a safety protocol to protect both drivers and passengers. Mendoza specifically discouraged travel to Matnog port and other ports in Sorsogon and nearby areas due to the adverse weather conditions. Despite the inconvenience, the primary focus remains on ensuring safety.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in its advisory covering the period from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., reported 6,064 stranded passengers, 37 vessels, and 2,352 rolling cargoes stuck in ports across Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Bicol, and Northeastern Mindanao. Mendoza emphasized the need to avoid further congestion at seaports and bus terminals.

PAGASA, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, has placed several areas in the Bicol region, Visayas, and Mindanao under tropical cyclone wind signal no. 1. Strong winds and heavy rains are forecasted, rendering land and sea travel 'extremely dangerous.'

Mendoza also mentioned that bus operators have been advised to not only halt their trips but also attend to the needs of passengers already present in terminals or ports.