Passengers and cargo were left stranded at various ports across the Western Visayas after the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended all sea travel in response to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) placing the region under a Storm Signal No. 1 due to the anticipated arrival of Tropical Depression Samuel.

PCG-Western Visayas spokesperson, Commander Ramil Palabrica, said sea travel had been halted since late Monday afternoon.

Based on data provided by the PCG, around 40 passengers and 96 pieces of rolling cargo are presently stranded at the Dumangas Port in Iloilo, while 20 passengers with 15 pieces of cargo are stuck at the Bredco Port in Bacolod City.

In addition, the Caticlan Port in Aklan currently has the highest number of stranded passengers at around 114 with 32 pieces of rolling cargo.

Meanwhile, the San Carlos City Port has not reported any stranded passengers, although three vessels were barred from leaving port.

Palabrica added, the cancellation will likely last until PAGASA lifts the storm signal in the region./DGB, WDJ