Hundreds stranded in S. Luzon ports due to ‘Pedring’

MANILA, Philippines—Over 900 passengers on Monday were stranded in major ports in the Bicol and Southern Luzon regions as Typhoon “Pedring” (international name: Nesat) headed for Casiguran, Aurora, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PSG).

Majority of these passengers, numbering about 270 were stuck at the Tabaco port. All were bound for Catanduanes. At least 158 passengers bound for Burias Island were marooned at the Pio Duran port in Albay, according to PCG spokesperson Algier Ricafrente.
Pedring, which was expected to hit Casiguran, Aurora Tuesday morning, also stranded 20 trucks bound for major islands in the Bicol region Ricafrente said.

The PCG also warned foreign travelers in Baler, Aurora against surfing at the height of the typhoon.

Commodore William Melad, commander of the PCG Southern Tagalog district, said he received information that about 10 foreign tourists were in the area to do some surfing.

Facing the Pacific Ocean, the coastline of Baler has become a favorite surfing destination among local and foreign surfers for its giant waves.

“I am not technically knowledgeable about surfing, but I think that they should think of their safety… My personal opinion on the matter is that they should not surf when there is bad weather,” said Melad.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways on Monday reported that except in Catanduanes, all roads in Albay and Camarines Sur were passable to all types of vehicles.

The Olayan Bridge in Bacusanaon in Pangantukan, Bukidnon was also passable to all kinds of vehicles, the DPWH said Monday. But overloaded trucks or those weighing more than five tons cannot pass through, the DPWH said.