The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18, announced the resumption of all sea travel to and from Negros Occidental after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) lifted its Wind Signal No. 1 over the Visayas as Tropical Depression “Kabayan” weakened.
The PCG said regular sea travel may resume at:
*Bantayan via Cadiz City
*Tabuelan, Cebu via Sagay and Escalante cities
*Toledo City, Cebu, via San Carlos City
*Dumangas via the BREDCO and Banago ports in Bacolod City
*Iloilo via the BREDCO Port in Bacolod
*Bay-ang Port in Ajuy via the Mantaangan Port in EB Magalona
*Sibunag Port in Guimaras via the Pulupandan Port
Close to 1,000 passengers were stranded at various seaports in Negros Occidental earlier Monday when all sea travel was cancelled.
Stranded in Bacolod City were 586 passengers, San Carlos City – 186, Escalante City – 153 and Sagay City – 43, PCG reported.
The PCG said of the 420 stranded passengers at the BREDCO port 200 were brought by the Bacolod Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and the Philippine Red Cross personnel to the Taculing Regional Evacuation Center where they were given sleeping kits and hot meals.
Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez suspended classes at all levels in Bacolod City starting 11 a.m. Monday due to inclement weather brought on by “Kabayan”.*