Iloilo City Emergency Teams Remain on Blue Alert After Basyang Downgrade
The Iloilo City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) has maintained its blue alert status, keeping emergency personnel on standby even as Tropical Cyclone Basyang weakened into a low pressure area. This precautionary measure follows the weather system's dissipation over the Sulu Sea on February 7, 2026.
Weather System Status and Monitoring
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), the former Tropical Cyclone Basyang was located approximately 105 kilometers southeast of Cuyo, Palawan as of 8 a.m. on February 7, 2026. The system featured a central pressure of 1006 hectopascals and was moving westward at 25 kilometers per hour.
Importantly, no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals were in effect for Iloilo City at that time. Pagasa indicated this would serve as their final bulletin regarding Basyang unless the weather system unexpectedly redevelops.
Local Weather Conditions and Impact
Weather monitoring stations across Iloilo City reported minimal wind activity, with Shell automatic weather stations in Lapuz, Arevalo, and Ungka all recording zero kilometers per hour wind gusts. Rainfall data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council showed generally light precipitation, with the highest measurement of 17 millimeters at SM Iloilo. Other areas recorded significantly less rainfall, with several stations reporting no precipitation at all.
Transportation Updates and Stranded Passengers
The Philippine Coast Guard lifted sea travel restrictions through Advisory No. 8 issued at 5 a.m. on February 7, 2026. However, the earlier suspension resulted in 33 families, comprising 44 individuals, becoming stranded at the Philippine Ports Authority terminal in Fort San Pedro. These passengers were bound for destinations including Manila and Mindanao.
Emergency Response Deployment
The Iloilo City EOC has maintained continuous 24/7 monitoring of weather conditions and potential incidents. Coordination efforts involve multiple agencies including the Iloilo City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, various response clusters, media outlets, and the general public.
A substantial emergency response force remains prepared, with 1,495 personnel and 233 vehicles placed on standby across multiple agencies. This deployment includes resources from:
- City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
- Bureau of Fire Protection (148 personnel, 16 fire trucks, 2 ambulances)
- Iloilo City Police Office (88 personnel, 51 patrol vehicles, 68 motorcycles)
- Philippine Coast Guard Western Visayas
- Traffic and Transportation Management Office
- City Social Welfare and Development Office
Support Services for Affected Individuals
The City Social Welfare and Development Office activated comprehensive assistance measures for stranded passengers, including:
- Operation of the Uswag Community Kitchen
- Distribution of ready-to-eat food provisions from the Department of Social Welfare and Development
- Provision of foam mattresses and folding beds
- Installation of basic shelter facilities at the port area
- Profiling of affected individuals for appropriate assistance
Health Preparedness and Community Outreach
Health authorities pre-positioned substantial medical resources, including 30,000 doses of doxycycline, 1,500 doses of tetanus vaccine, and other essential medicines. The General Services Office ensured service vehicle availability for potential emergency operations.
At the community level, 32 Barangay Emergency Operations Centers were activated across Iloilo City. These centers conducted continuous public information campaigns through multiple channels including public address systems, social media platforms, and traditional rekorida announcements to remind residents of necessary safety precautions.
Ongoing Monitoring and Assessment
The EOC continued monitoring the executive order that suspended face-to-face classes at all educational levels on February 6, 2026. Additionally, the center conducted pre-disaster risk assessment and scenario-building activities related to Basyang earlier in the month.
City officials emphasized that despite the weather system's downgrade, monitoring operations would continue indefinitely. They stressed the importance of maintaining preparedness and coordination among all response clusters to ensure public safety throughout any potential weather developments.
