Sea travel suspended due to typhoon ‘Vinta’

MANILA - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) placed all its units on full-alert and suspended the sea travel to the provinces in Northern Luzon, which are currently facing the threat of Typhoon “Vinta” (International name: Krosa).

PCG Public Affairs chief Commander Armando Balilo said that all shipping vessels or any type of seacraft are not permitted to travel in areas and routes where Public Storm Warning Signals are presently hoisted by the state weather bureau.

The memorandum circular also mentioned if a shipping vessel was caught by public storm warning in the middle of the sea, it should take shelter immediately and not risk the lives of their passengers.

“All those who will violate rules will be subjected for the suspension or cancellation of their franchise,” Isorena said.

As of 3 p.m. Thursday, 14 passengers were reportedly stranded in the Port of Claveria in Cagayan Province.

Balilo explained that several boats and shipping operators already decided to postpone their ventures even before the typhoon signals were raised.

Meanwhile, President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday inspected the bus and shipping terminals in Metro Manila as part of the government’s “Oplan Ligtas Biyahe 2013” for the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day festivities.

Aquino first came at the newly renovated Manila North Harbor then immediately proceeded to Manila South West Bus Terminal in Paranaque City. The presi-

dent concluded his inspection journey at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).