Coast Guard Auxiliary Steps Up to Feed Stranded Travelers as Basyang Hits Philippines
In a compassionate response to a major maritime disruption, personnel from the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) provided hot meals to stranded passengers at Dumangas Port on Friday, February 6, 2026. This effort came as Tropical Depression Basyang caused widespread travel chaos, leaving a total of 5,835 passengers stranded across ports nationwide. The situation highlights the critical role of auxiliary forces during natural disasters in the Philippines.
Nationwide Stranding Figures and Regional Breakdown
According to a situation report from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), the effects of Basyang led to significant disruptions beyond passenger travel. Alongside the stranded individuals, 2,288 rolling cargoes, 131 vessels, and seven motorbancas were also affected across 84 ports. The regional impact was extensive, with varying levels of disruption reported from Mindanao to Luzon.
In Northeastern Mindanao, 485 passengers, 230 rolling cargoes, two ships, and four motorbancas were stranded at ports including Lipata and Nasipit. Southwestern Mindanao saw 32 passengers, nine vessels, and one motorbanca affected at locations like Zamboanga and Jolo Ports. The Bicol Region reported 935 passengers, 416 rolling cargoes, and five vessels stranded at ports such as Matnog and Castilla.
Eastern Visayas experienced 555 passengers, 242 rolling cargoes, and one motorbanca stranded across ports including San Juan and Maasin. Northern Mindanao had 731 passengers and 12 ships affected in nine ports, including Cagayan de Oro and Ozamis. Central Visayas faced the highest numbers in some categories, with 1,153 passengers, 536 rolling vessels, 66 vessels, and one motorbanca stranded at numerous ports like Polambato and Hagnaya.
Other regions also reported significant figures:
- Southern Visayas: 463 passengers, 234 rolling cargoes, and 21 vessels stranded at ports including Escalante and Cadiz.
- Western Visayas: 1,292 passengers, 597 rolling cargoes, and seven vessels affected at ports like Dumangas and Alegrea.
- Palawan: 37 passengers and nine vessels stranded at ports including Coron and Old Camp.
- Southern Tagalog Region: 152 passengers and 33 vessels affected at ports such as Romblon and Lucena.
Weather Forecast and Cyclone Trajectory
In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warned that Basyang would bring heavy rainfall to multiple areas, including Palawan, Negros Occidental, Cebu, Bohol, Iloilo, Eastern Samar, and Surigao del Norte, among others. The cyclone was forecast to pass close or make landfall over Bohol and southern portions of Cebu and Negros Oriental, with potential weakening into a low-pressure area by Saturday. This forecast underscores the ongoing risk to maritime safety and travel in affected regions.
The PCG Auxiliary's meal service at Dumangas Port exemplifies the community support mobilized during such emergencies, providing not just sustenance but also reassurance to those caught in the storm's path. As Basyang continues to impact the Philippines, authorities remain vigilant in monitoring ports and assisting stranded individuals.
