Bicol: More than 1,000 passengers are stranded in six ports in the Bicol Region due to Severe Tropical Storm Opong, known internationally as Bualoi, the Philippine Coast Guard in Bicol (PCG-5) reported on Thursday. PCG-5 Commander, Commodore Ivan Roldan, confirmed that 1,120 passengers, 426 rolling cargoes, and 12 roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) ships are affected at the ports of Pio Duran in Albay, Masbate City, Mintac, and Cawayan, all in Masbate province, along with the ports of Matnog and Castilla in Sorsogon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the command center is closely monitoring the movement of vessels around the clock and ensuring the safety of the 34 RoRo vessels taking shelter. Commodore Roldan emphasized that PCG personnel across all ports in the region are on heightened alert status, ready to respond to any challenges posed by the storm. Essential first aid, rescue, and communication equipment are fully operational and prepared for immediate use.

Roldan noted that beyond ensuring maritime safety, personnel are prepared to respond with over 400 team members deployed, including the deployable response group (DRG) in the provinces of Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur. The DRG team is equipped with necessary tools for search and rescue operations, such as life vests, communication devices, and ropes, to support and assist those in need across several provinces in the Bicol Region.

The public is advised to contact the Coast Guard District Bicol and its respective stations for emergencies and inquiries through the provided operation numbers, ensuring a quick response during critical situations. Meanwhile, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has reported that Opong has intensified, with maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour and gustiness reaching up to 135 kilometers per hour.