THE captains of motorbancas and boats called off their trips due to bad weather that affected Central Visayas on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019.

The southwest monsoon, intensified by tropical depression Ineng, caused the ugly weather condition, leaving several passengers stranded in ports.

Lt. Junior Grade Michael John Encina, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) 7 spokesman, said they gave clearances for all scheduled trips—except for the trips to Leyte and Samar provinces—as the state weather bureau did not raise a gale warning.

However, the captains decided not to push through as part of their precautionary measures.

The boat trips from Cebu City towards Leyte and Samar were suspended after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration raised a gale warning over the two provinces.

Most of the cancelled trips were those of the motorbancas plying the port of Getafe, Bohol-Cebu City pier one route, and the Getafe-Cordova, Mactan route.

The trips of motorbancas from Poro, Camotes to Ormoc City were also called off by the captains.

Other cancelled trips included the Pilar-Poro inter-island route, and the Pilar-Ormoc City route. (From HBL of SuperBalita Cebu, KAL)