By Benjamin Cuaresma
SAN ANTONIO, Zambales — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has again suspended sea travel in Zambales as the southwest monsoon, or habagat, continued to batter the province with heavy rains and dangerous sea conditions on Saturday.
The latest suspension covers vessels and motorboats with a gross tonnage of 250 GT and below, except vessels seeking safe shelter, as the PCG warned that deteriorating weather and sea conditions could endanger passengers, boat operators and coastal communities.
The Coast Guard said maritime operations may resume only after weather and sea conditions have sufficiently improved and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) officially determines that conditions are safe.
The renewed suspension came only days after the PCG lifted an earlier travel ban imposed when Tropical Depression Maymay affected parts of Luzon. The storm subsequently weakened into a low-pressure area and moved away from the region.
The PCG urged passengers, fisherfolk, boat operators and residents of coastal communities to postpone all nonessential sea travel and avoid maritime activities while the adverse conditions persist.
The agency emphasized that the precautionary measure was intended to prevent maritime accidents and possible loss of life amid the combination of heavy rainfall, strong winds and rough seas.
Pagasa, in its early morning weather bulletin Saturday, said the southwest monsoon was affecting large portions of Luzon and the Visayas, bringing rains that could become heavy to intense in some areas.
Zambales was among the areas warned of moderate to heavy and at times intense rainfall, with the weather conditions potentially triggering flash floods and landslides in vulnerable communities.
The state weather bureau also forecast moderate to strong southwesterly winds over the rest of Luzon, further worsening conditions along exposed coastal areas.
Coastal waters in the affected areas were expected to remain moderate to rough, with waves reaching approximately 1.5 to 3.4 meters.
With the monsoon continuing to fuel unstable weather, authorities reiterated their appeal for the public to put safety ahead of travel plans and wait for official clearance before returning to sea.
For now, the message from the Coast Guard remains clear: when the seas turn dangerous, stay ashore.
ia/xf
