Hundreds queue at Legazpi terminal to rush home as new storm approaches

LEGAZPI CITY — Long lines of passengers were observed at Legazpi Grand Terminal on Thursday, November 14, as passengers rush back to their homes due to the threat of the approaching Tropical Storm “Man-yi” [to be named Pepito].

Hundreds of passengers of public utility vehicles flocked to the terminal, following the suspension of classes or work in the province.

The Legazpi Grand Terminal announced in a Facebook post that trips going to Naga City, Bulan, Sorsogon and Pio Duran, Albay are limited as some bus and van companies already suspended operations due to the coming storm.

READ: Storm outside PAR strengthens as it approaches PH, may arrive Thursday

Majority of the passengers in line are students in various universities and schools around the city.

Angelo Galindes, a student of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Camarines Sur, has been waiting for more than an hour as the line of passengers going to Sorsogon grew in overwhelming number.

Galindes, 22, who had been stranded in Pili town during the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm “Kristine” (international name: Trami), made sure he will be with his family before the bad weather conditions escalate.

“My parents told me to go home because they worry about my safety,” he told the Inquirer. “I rarely visit my family due to busy schedule in school, this is also a perfect time to go home.”

Meanwhile, Jhovie Malamo, a student of Bicol College in Daraga town, was noticed by her fellow passengers as she carried her puppy with her on her way home to Iriga City.

“I can’t leave her [puppy] in my boarding house because she might be endangered. It’s as if she is my own child so I can’t leaver her alone,” Magdaong said.

Glen Magdaong, a dispatcher of UV express in Legazpi terminal, said the influx of passengers was “anticipated.”

Magdaong, 28, assured that there is an adequate number of operating vans to accommodate the large number of passengers.

“We have long queues because our vans travel back and forth here so the delays are mainly because of the distance,” Magdaong said.

He also added that they anticipate possible extension of operations due to the surge of passengers.

Tropical Storm Man-yi is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday night.