By Erwin Nicavera/PNA
BACOLOD CITY — At least 1,000 passengers have been stranded at the Bredco port here since Thursday noon after the Philippine Coast Guard suspended sea travel due to weather disturbance brought about by tropical depression “Usman”.
Based on the Severe Weather Bulletin No. 7 issued by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) as of 5 p.m., Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 remains hoisted in northern Negros Occidental.
Petty Officer 3 Christian Abuyabor, duty boarding officer of Coast Guard Station-Bacolod, said sea travel has been suspended to ensure the safety of the passengers.
“We cannot risk the safety of our fellowmen. Our concern is their safety, the safety of lives and properties,” he added.
Among those stranded were about 300 members of the Servants of the Blessed Trinity and Healing Ministry from Iloilo, who came from a prayer meeting in Escalante City, Negros Occidental.
“We have no place to go to. We are supposed to go home to Sara, Iloilo,” said Remeny Vilbar, one of the passengers.
Also stranded were a family from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, who are traveling with three young children to spend the New Year with their relatives in Aklan.
The Coast Guard Station-Bacolod advised travelers against proceeding to the Bredco port until the suspension of sea travel is lifted.
The state weather bureau said there is a possible raising of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 1 over Camarines Norte, southern Quezon, Marinduque, southern Oriental Mindoro, Antique, the rest of Iloilo, and Guimaras by 8 p.m. on Thursday.
“Usman” may also intensify into a tropical storm before landfall over Eastern Samar on Friday afternoon.
Moderate to heavy rains are also expected over Visayas on Friday.
The tropical depression may exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility between Sunday evening and Monday morning.
