Video by Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net
MATNOG, Sorsogon–More than 600 passengers were stranded at Matnog Port in Sorsogon as typhoon ‘Ruby’ (international name: Hagupit) continued its track to eastern Philippines.
Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Division Manager Medardo Adille on Friday said that port operations here have been suspended since 2 p.m. Thursday.
“If signal number one is raised, automatic, port operations are suspended,” Adille said.
As of midday Friday, Sorsogon is now under public storm warning signal number 2.
Adille said 99 vehicles including trucks, buses and light vehicles were also stranded.
He said that stranded passengers would be evacuated to nearby municipalities, citing that “the port is unsafe during typhoons.”
“We are already coordinating that. They will be placed in holding areas in several municipalities,” he said, adding that they would be evacuated this Friday or early Saturday.
He said the provincial risk reduction and management council of Sorsogon would convene to discuss the necessary preparations.
He added that they have already coordinated with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTRFB) to mandate bus companies to also suspend their operations going to Matnog Port.
Port operations, he said, would resume once “the public storm (warning signal) is lifted.”
“I think that will be in 3-4 days,” he said.
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