AROUND 6K PASSENGERS STRANDED IN PORTS DUE TO ‘OPONG’ – PCG

THE Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Thursday reported that some 5,929 passengers were stranded in various ports in areas to be hit by severe tropical storm “Opong”  (international name Bualoi).

According to the PCG, as of 4 p.m. Thursday,101 seaports have cancelled sea travel, affecting 2,340 rolling cargoes, 81 vessels, and 31 motorbancas, particularly in Eastern Visayas and Southern Tagalog, Northeastern Mindanao, Central Visayas, and Bicol Region.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that as of 8 p.m., “Opong”  continues to move closer towards Eastern Visayas.

It is located 150 km. east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 110 km. per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph.

“Opong” is forecast to reach typhoon category before making landfall over Northern Samar early Friday morning (Sept. 26).

PAGASA said that by Friday, “Opong”  will move generally west-northwestward near or over 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.

CLASSES, GOV’T WORK IN METRO MANILA, LUZON, VISAYAS AREAS SUSPENDED ON SEPT. 26

Malacañang suspended work in government and classes in several provinces, including Metro Manila, on Sept. 26, 2025, Friday, to ensure public safety as “Opong” is expected to bring heavy rainfall.

On orders of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin signed Memorandum Circular 102 on Thursday for the suspension of government work and classes upon the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

“In view of the forecasted heavy rainfall that will be brought about by Severe Tropical Storm ‘Opong,’ work in government offices and classes at all levels in Metro Manila, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Masbate, Romblon, and Sorsogon are hereby suspended on 26 September 2025,” MC 102 said.

The memo added that classes at all levels in Aklan, Albay, Antique, Batangas, Bataan, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Capiz, Cavite, Catanduanes, Guimaras, Iloilo, Laguna, Leyte, Marinduque, Negros Occidental, Oriental Mindoro, Rizal, and Quezon are also suspended to ensure public safety.

“However, agencies responsible for basic, vital, and health services, preparedness, and response duties must continue to remain operational to ensure continuity of essential government functions,” the memorandum read.

The circular also noted that non-essential government employees of the subject agencies may be engaged under approved alternative work arrangements, subject to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

The memorandum pointed out that the localized cancellation or suspension of classes and/or work in government offices in other areas may be implemented by their respective governors, mayors, and local chief executives, pursuant to relevant laws, rules, and regulations.

The circular added that the suspension of work in private companies and offices is left to the discretion of their respective heads.