MANILA, Philippines — Travelers planning to cross the sea on Friday, September 4, are being urged to check their ferry schedules first as several voyages were cancelled amid weather conditions associated with the southwest monsoon or “Habagat.”
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reported several cancelled trips at ports in Mindoro and Western Leyte-Biliran as of 8 a.m. Friday, with authorities prioritizing passenger safety as unfavorable weather conditions continue to affect parts of the country.
According to the PPA advisory cited by Inquirer.net, the cancellations include routes serving Puerto Galera, Abra de Ilog, Lubang and Maasin.
FULL LIST OF CANCELLED FERRY TRIPS
Mindoro
Port of Lubang
- All trips cancelled due to a no-sail policy imposed by the local government unit.
Port of Puerto Galera
- MV City of Bacolod — 7:15 a.m. Puerto Galera to Batangas
- MV City of Bacolod — 12:30 p.m. Puerto Galera to Batangas
Port of Abra de Ilog
- Montenegro Shipping Lines — 7:00 a.m. Abra de Ilog to Batangas
- Montenegro Shipping Lines — 11:30 a.m. Abra de Ilog to Batangas
Western Leyte-Biliran
Port of Maasin
- Ocean Fast Ferries, Inc. — Maasin to Surigao and vice versa
The list reflects the PPA’s reported cancellations as of 8 a.m. September 4 and may change as port authorities and shipping operators reassess conditions.
HABAGAT CONTINUES TO AFFECT LARGE PARTS OF THE COUNTRY
The cancellations come as the southwest monsoon continues to bring significant rainfall and potentially hazardous conditions to several areas.
PAGASA’s September 4 forecast identifies Zambales and Bataan as experiencing monsoon rains, with possible flash floods or landslides due to heavy to intense rainfall. Occasional rains are also expected over Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas and Occidental Mindoro.
PAGASA also issued a Red Warning Level for several areas of Zambales and Bataan early Friday, warning that serious flooding could occur in flood-prone locations.
The weather bureau’s latest outlook further indicates that the southwest monsoon is affecting Luzon and Visayas, with moderate to strong winds in several areas.
WHY ARE FERRY TRIPS BEING CANCELLED?
Sea travel can be suspended when weather and sea conditions reach levels that could endanger passengers and vessels.
The PPA has repeatedly reported ferry disruptions during periods of intensified Habagat this year. Previous advisories also covered ports across Mindoro, Batangas, Palawan, Masbate, Panay-Guimaras and Western Leyte-Biliran.
Importantly, the PPA has clarified in previous advisories that it does not directly cancel individual voyages. Sea trips may be automatically suspended when the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) enforces a no-sail policy because of unsafe conditions.
TRAVELERS ADVISED TO CHECK BEFORE GOING TO THE PORT
Passengers affected by the September 4 cancellations should coordinate directly with their respective shipping companies and port authorities regarding rebooking, refunds and replacement schedules.
Travelers should also avoid assuming that a previously scheduled trip will proceed simply because it does not appear on an initial cancellation list. Weather conditions can deteriorate or improve during the day, prompting additional suspensions or schedule changes.
PAGASA’s latest forecast shows that the Habagat remains an important weather factor across Luzon and parts of the Visayas, with heavy rainfall and possible flooding or landslides in vulnerable areas.
This story will be updated as additional ferry cancellations or port advisories are announced.
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