‘Bising’ strands more than 300 passengers at E. Visayas ports — PCG

TACLOBAN CITY – At least 348 passengers were stranded at various ports in Eastern Visayas as the region braces for possible impacts of Typhoon Bising.

The Coast Guard based in Allen town, Northern Samar said 314 passengers on board of a bus, 33 light vehicles, and 114 rolling cargoes were stranded at the ports of Balwharteco, Dapdap and Santa Clara as of Saturday noon.

These passengers were all bound for Luzon.

The Coast Guard in Ormoc City, Leyte said 34 passengers, all bound for Cebu, were also stranded due to the typhoon.

The disaster risk reduction management office in Leyte has issued an advisory to all local governments and the public to prepare for the typhoon.

“We strongly want a zero casualty during disasters. Preemptive evacuation, not rescue operation, is our goal,” the advisory said.

The regional office of the Department of Social Welfare and Development has also prepositioned 14,994 food packs.

Of the number, 11,694 food packs were placed at their regional warehouse located in Palo town Leyte while 1,600 food packs are to be distributed to Northern Samar; 1,400 for Eastern Samar; 200 for Southern Leyte; and 100 for Biliran province.

/MUF