THE Gale warning issued by the state weather bureau caused by Tropical Storm Falcon has forced the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to cancel sea trips yesterday for small vessels.
Based on information released by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the western and southern seaboards including the coasts of Western Visayas is experiencing wind force of up to 45 kilometers per hour (kph), with monsoonal conditions which could bring down visibility.
Pagasa also noted in its gale warning that the sea conditions will be rough to very rough with wave heights up to 4.5 meters.
PCG-Negros Occidental commander, Lt. Senior Grade Rockcliff Buling, said vessels below the 250 gross tonnage have been barred from leaving port with the exception of two vessels from ferry companies Oceanjet and Weesam Express.
Roll-on/Roll-off vessels, meanwhile, are allowed to continue with their normal trips.
Buling also said motorboat services between the town of Pulupandan and Guimaras island were also included in the suspension.
Despite the cancellations, the PCG commander noted that there were no stranded passengers in various ports in the province.