Manila: Over 100 passengers are still stranded in ports in the Southern Tagalog region due to Tropical Storm (TS) Verbena (international name Koto), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said on Wednesday. In its 4 p.m. maritime safety advisory, the PCG reported that 103 persons and seven rolling cargoes remain at the Port of Lucena and the Port of San Andres.

According to Philippines News Agency, the reduction in stranded passengers comes after most temporary suspensions on maritime travel were lifted on Tuesday evening. Specifically, the PCG District Central Visayas lifted the suspension of sea travel within its area of responsibility due to improved weather and sea conditions. The district confirmed that all vessels and watercraft within the region have resumed normal operations, provided that vessel operators strictly comply with safety protocols and guidelines set by the PCG.

However, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported the cancellation of all trips from the Port Terminal Management Office (TMO) - Pasig at the Port Management Office, National Capital Region - South. Additionally, the routes MV City of Naga: Coron - Culion (and vice versa) and MV City of Iloilo: Coron - El Nido (and vice versa) have also been cancelled.

To date, the PCG continues its evacuation and relief operations throughout the country, with more than 30 residents evacuated in Tuguegarao City in Cagayan amid flooding brought by Verbena. In addition, two families were rescued at Sitio Bagong Pook in Baco, Oriental Mindoro, amid heavy rainfall and rising water levels. The PCG also administered a forced evacuation in Barangay Malinao, Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, as a pre-emptive action against the continued effects of Verbena.

Verbena has intensified into a severe tropical storm and is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning.