The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has directed affected Port Management Offices (PMOs) to relocate stranded passengers to local government units (LGUs) following the impact of Typhoon ST Pepito.
In a memorandum issued by PPA General Manager Jay Santiago, the PMOs were instructed to coordinate with LGUs for the transfer of stranded passengers to safer evacuation centers.
Santiago emphasized that relocating passengers to these centers would provide more spacious and secure facilities while ensuring regular monitoring by local officials and designated agencies that provide essential supplies.
As of today, the Philippine Coast Guard has reported that 1,769 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers remain stranded at various ports.
While the port management offices have provided appropriate shelter for the stranded passengers, the PPA noted that ports need to undergo assessments and thorough inspections following consecutive storms, particularly Typhoon STS Kristine, which caused many passengers to remain stranded for several days.
The ports currently undergoing inspections include those in Northern Luzon, Batangas, Bicol, Quezon, Masbate, Mindoro, Palawan, Panay/Guimaras, Eastern Leyte/Samar, Western Leyte/Biliran, Bohol, Lanao del Norte, and Iligan.
These ports have sustained damage, including broken gates, fences, lighting, and roofing.
Due to the series of storms—Kristine, Leon, Marce, Nica, and Ofel—the repairs have been limited, and areas that were previously fixed now require additional inspections due to the continuing impact of the storms.