TD Crising leaves 2 dead, displaces over 13,000 in Bicol

By Rhaydz Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --- Tropical Depression Crising left two people dead and affected 2,977 families or 13,244 individuals across the Bicol Region, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol reported on Saturday.

According to Gremil Naz, OCD Bicol spokesperson, the fatalities were motorcycle riders who were struck by an uprooted acacia tree along a road in Ocampo, Camarines Sur on Friday. The victims remain unidentified as of press time.

The OCD Bicol also reported that 14 families or 25 individuals are currently taking shelter at an elementary school in Pasacao, Camarines Sur due to the effects of the storm.

At least 72 passengers were stranded at seaports—42 in Bulan, Sorsogon and 30 in Pasacao, Camarines Sur. A total of 22 rolling cargoes were also stranded in Bulan Port.

Camarines Norte recorded the highest number of affected families, with 1,225 families or 6,125 persons. Masbate followed with 965 families or 4,434 individuals, most of whom were from Aroroy town. Of the 965 families, nine (33 individuals) were from the municipality of Milagros.

In Catanduanes, 665 families or 2,548 people were affected, while in Albay, 108 families or 112 individuals were also impacted by the storm.

In Masbate, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Aroroy evacuated 37 residents—among them 23 children and three senior citizens—to safer grounds due to flooding in Barangay Poblacion caused by the southwest monsoon.

Meanwhile, in Catanduanes, a cargo vessel—Barge Premium Portland 2 of Navi Shipping Company—ran aground along the shoreline of San Vicente town after being battered by rough seas. The vessel reportedly broke free from its anchorage due to strong waves and drifted uncontrollably with three crew members onboard.

PCG Bicol Commander Commodore Ivan E. Roldan said that personnel from the Coast Guard Sub-Station (CGSS) Virac, Special Operations Unit (SOU), and the Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement and Response Unit (MEPERU) were dispatched for on-site assessment.

“Fortunately, no oil spill or marine pollution was observed,” Roldan reported.

CGSS Virac was able to establish radio communication with the barge’s patron, Mr. Berhelio Anutado, and confirmed the safety of the crew. The PCG assured the public that the condition of the crew is being closely monitored and that all necessary assistance is being provided.

“The Coast Guard District Bicol reaffirms its commitment to maritime safety, environmental protection, and timely response to incidents, in close coordination with concerned agencies,” Roldan said.

In a related development, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol, led by Regional Director Norman Laurio, conducted relief operations for fisherfolk whose livelihoods were disrupted by the inclement weather.

A total of 483 family food packs (FFPs) were distributed across 17 barangays, including Bagasbas, Awitan, San Isidro, and Mambalite in Daet, Camarines Norte—among the hardest-hit areas.

“This relief effort, conducted under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., aims to provide urgent food assistance to vulnerable communities, especially those dependent on fishing,” Laurio said.

The DSWD is coordinating closely with the local government of Daet to ensure timely distribution of aid to affected families.