By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Several hundred ferry passengers were stranded over the weekend after the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placed Negros Occidental, Cebu, and Iloilo under Storm Signal #1, which forced the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Bacolod Station to suspend sea travel.

Between 500 and 1,000 passengers were said to be stranded at the Bredco Port in Bacolod City, with many taking shelter at the terminal.

Meanwhile, Montenegro Lines operations supervisor James Patrick Catapang said trips bound for the Dumangas Port in Iloilo were suspended as of noon on Saturday.

According to a PAGASA weather bulletin released at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Urduja was spotted 65 kilometers east southeast of Romblon island, moving westward at 15 kilometers per hour (kph).

The storm is reportedly producing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph, with gusts reaching 90 kph.

Urduja is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility on Thursday, December 21.

As of press time, PCG cleared for trips to resume after PAGASA lifted the storm signal yesterday afternoon./DGB, WDJ