MANILA – A total of 5,929 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers were stranded across various ports in areas expected to be hit by Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi).
As of 4 p.m., sea travel was canceled at 101 seaports, affecting 2,340 rolling cargoes, 81 vessels, and 31 motorbancas, particularly in Eastern Visayas and Southern Tagalog, Northeastern Mindanao, Central Visayas, and the Bicol Region.
It was reported that 355 vessels and 226 motorbancas sought shelter due to Opong, which is forecast to reach typhoon category before making landfall over Northern Samar early Friday morning.
As of 8 p.m., Opong continued to move closer towards Eastern Visayas.
It was located 150 km east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 110 km per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 135 km per hour.
Throughout Friday, Opong is expected to move generally west-northwestward near or over the Sibuyan Sea and traverse the mainland and/or island provinces of the Bicol Region, southern Calabarzon, and northern Mimaropa, before emerging over the West Philippine Sea early Saturday morning.
On Wednesday, the Coast Guard Eastern Visayas District placed all its stations and sub-stations under heightened alert status in response to the ongoing threat posed by Opong in the region.
Eastern Visayas
Eastern Visayas is an administrative region in the Philippines comprising the islands of Leyte, Samar, and Biliran. It is historically significant as the site of the first recorded Christian mass in the Philippines on Limasawa Island in 1521 and the location of the pivotal World War II Battle of Leyte Gulf. The region is known for its natural wonders, including the San Juanico Strait and the Sohoton Caves.
Southern Tagalog
“Southern Tagalog” is a former administrative region in the Philippines, historically known as Region IV, which was a large and culturally significant area on the island of Luzon. It was officially dissolved in 2002 and divided into the Calabarzon and Mimaropa regions, but its name reflects a rich history encompassing indigenous groups, Spanish colonial heritage, and being a major center for agriculture and Tagalog culture.
Northeastern Mindanao
Northeastern Mindanao, particularly the Caraga Region, is known for its rugged landscapes, rich natural resources, and significant historical heritage. The area’s history is deeply tied to the ancient Butuan polities, which were influential trading centers known for their goldwork and the earliest known balangay (seagoing outrigger boats) excavated in the Philippines. Today, it is a key region for agriculture, mining, and eco-tourism, featuring attractions like the Enchanted River and the Agusan Marsh.
Central Visayas
Central Visayas is a central Philippine region historically significant as the first area colonized by Spain, which introduced Christianity to the archipelago. It is most famous for containing Cebu, the country’s oldest city and its first capital, and the pristine natural wonders of Bohol, including the Chocolate Hills. The region’s history is deeply tied to the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521 and the subsequent Spanish colonial period.
Bicol Region
The Bicol Region is a peninsula in the southeastern part of Luzon, Philippines, known for its stunning natural landmarks, including the iconic perfect cone of Mayon Volcano. Historically, it was a significant trading hub before Spanish colonization in the 16th century, and its name is believed to have originated from “biko,” an old word for “bent” or “curve,” describing the shape of its coastline. The region is also famous for its distinct cuisine, heavily featuring coconut milk and chili peppers, and its deep-rooted devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
Northern Samar
Northern Samar is a province in the Philippines known for its rugged, natural landscapes, including long coastlines, caves, and waterfalls. Historically, it was part of the first island in the archipelago sighted by Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition in 1521. The province also has a significant history tied to the Philippine-American War, where a local victory in the Battle of Balangiga originated.
Borongan City
Borongan City is the capital of Eastern Samar province in the Philippines, situated along the scenic Pacific coast. Historically, it began as a small settlement administered by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century before becoming an independent parish. The city is also known for its natural attractions, including the stunning Baybay Beach and the unique Subangan Museum, which houses a massive sperm whale skeleton.
Sibuyan Sea
The Sibuyan Sea is a small sea in the Philippines, centrally located within the archipelago and bordered by major islands like Panay, Masbate, and Romblon. It is historically significant as the site of the World War II Battle of Leyte Gulf, where the Japanese battleship *Musashi* was sunk by American airpower. Today, the sea is known for its rich marine biodiversity and the pristine natural environment of the surrounding islands.
