Tropical Depression Wilma Strands 4,631 in Philippine Ports

Tropical Depression Wilma barreled toward the eastern Philippines on Friday, December 5, 2025, stranding more than 4,600 people across 55 ports nationwide and prompting widespread suspensions of sea travel as rough conditions intensified.

The Philippine Coast Guard reported that 4,631 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers were unable to proceed from ports in regions including Southern Tagalog, Bicol, Central Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Southern Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Northeastern Mindanao. Among the disruptions, 1,484 vessels, 45 motorbancas, and 26 rolling cargoes remained stuck, while 107 vessels and 53 motorbancas sought shelter. Bicol recorded the most significant impacts, with 2,150 passengers and 647 rolling cargoes halted, including 1,335 in Matnog alone. Eastern and Central Visayas saw over 1,500 travelers combined affected by the stoppages.

The suspensions stemmed from safety protocols enforced by Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, who placed all units on heightened alert amid persistent rough seas. "We are on a heightened alert status. As we speak, we are monitoring these ports with affected vessels, motorbancas, and stranded passengers,"...