PCG-Bicol on high alert, issues sailing advisory amid LPA

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Philippine Coast Guard in Bicol Region (PCG-5) on Tuesday maintained a high level of operational readiness and issued a sailing advisory for vessels operating in Masbate as a low-pressure area (LPA) and the southwest monsoon (habagat) continue to bring adverse weather across the region.

In an interview, PCG-5 commander Commodore Ivan Roldan said the Coast Guard Station Masbate, through commander Lt. John Louis Sibayan, directed all vessels and watercraft weighing 250 gross tons (GT) or less operating in the province's waters to exercise extreme caution and avoid unnecessary voyages until weather and sea conditions significantly improve.

The order aligns with Headquarters Philippine Coast Guard Office of the Coast Guard Commander Memorandum Circular No. 03-01, which provides guidelines for vessel movement when tropical cyclone wind signals are absent but hazardous sea conditions persist, and with a directive signed by Masbate Gov. Richard Kho adopting precautionary measures against the LPA’s effects.

“While no tropical cyclone wind signal has been raised over Masbate, prevailing rough seas and strong winds from the weather disturbance continue to pose risks to maritime navigation, particularly for small and medium-sized vessels,” Roldan added.

Under the advisory, vessels weighing 15 GT or less are prohibited from sailing whenever prevailing conditions reach Beaufort Scale No. 4, a moderate breeze with wind speeds of about 11 to 16 knots.

Roldan also reminded vessel masters, owners, operators and shipping agents to strictly comply with their respective safety management system manuals in accordance with the International Safety Management Code, Maritime Industry Authority regulations and other existing maritime safety policies.

They were likewise advised to continuously monitor weather bulletins issued by the state weather bureau and to exercise prudent seamanship in voyage planning and operational decisions.

The sailing advisory is now in effect and will stay active until authorities lift it.

Roldan noted that PCG-5 personnel are on standby, and search-and-rescue assets have been strategically positioned to enable an immediate response to maritime incidents and other weather-related emergencies. (PNA)

READY. The Coast Guard District Bicol, along with its stations and substations, remains on high alert and fully prepared for deployment on Tuesday (June 30, 2026) due to the prevailing low-pressure area and the southwest monsoon. Coast Guard units are on standby, with search-and-rescue teams strategically positioned to respond swiftly to maritime incidents or weather-related emergencies. (Photo courtesy of PCG-5)