Manila: Over 6,000 individuals find themselves stranded in ports across the Philippines as Tropical Depression Verbena continues to cause disruptions.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Southern Tagalog Region, particularly Batangas Port, reports the highest number of stranded passengers.

Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesperson, Capt. Noemie Cayabyab, stated that local government units, the Philippine Ports Authority, and shipping companies are working together to provide necessities for those affected. The PCG is on heightened alert, collaborating with government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development to distribute relief goods and monitor coastal areas for potential evacuations.

Cayabyab mentioned that pre-emptive evacuations began in regions such as Isabela, Negros Occidental, and Mandaue, Cebu. A safety advisory released by the PCG noted that as of Tuesday noon, 1,649 persons, along with 300 rolling cargoes and 14 vessels, are stranded in Southern Tagalog ports including Lucena, Abra De Ilog, and Batangas.

In the Bicol Region, 950 individuals and 420 rolling cargoes are stranded across several ports, while Western Visayas reports 914 passengers and 396 rolling cargoes stuck in locations like Ilo-Ilo Fastcraft and Caticlan Port. Southern Visayas sees 582 passengers and 227 rolling cargoes stranded, and Central Visayas has 1,090 persons and 233 rolling cargoes affected, with multiple vessels unable to depart.

Eastern Visayas reports 750 persons stranded with 360 rolling cargoes, whereas Northern Mindanao has 111 persons and nine vessels affected. Northeastern Mindanao faces a similar situation with 317 individuals and 173 rolling cargoes stranded. The PCG continues its efforts to manage the situation and ensure the safety and well-being of all affected passengers.