The Coast Guard District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM) has officially removed temporary restrictions on sea voyages to the Visayas Region, signaling improved weather conditions following the devastating impact of Typhoon Tino.
Official Advisory and Safety Measures
In Sea Travel Advisory No. 002-2025 issued in November 2025, CGDSEM announced the lifting of the temporary suspension that had been in effect since November 3. The advisory was formally authorized by Commodore PCG Philipps Soria, marking a significant step toward normalizing maritime operations.
Despite the lifted restrictions, the Coast Guard emphasized that all vessels and watercraft must continue implementing precautionary measures when facing unfavorable weather and sea conditions. This cautious approach reflects ongoing concerns about maritime safety during the unpredictable weather patterns in the region.
Typhoon Tino's Devastating Impact
The original suspension was implemented in response to Tropical Storm Tino, which rapidly intensified into a severe tropical storm. The decision was based on Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-Pagasa) Tropical Cyclone Bulletin No. 06, which indicated that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 had been raised over the southern part of the Visayas Region.
Typhoon Tino made landfall in Silago town, Southern Leyte, at approximately 12 a.m. on November 4. The storm system continued across Visayas and northern Palawan from November 4 until the early morning of November 5, leaving widespread destruction in its path.
Casualty Figures and Emergency Response
The human cost of Typhoon Tino has been substantial, with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) reporting 114 confirmed fatalities. The geographical distribution of casualties reveals the storm's concentrated impact:
- 71 fatalities from Cebu province
- 18 fatalities from Negros Occidental
- 12 fatalities from Negros Oriental
- 6 fatalities from Agusan del Sur
- 2 fatalities from Southern Leyte
- Single fatalities reported in Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Bohol, and Leyte
The disaster also left 127 individuals missing—65 in Cebu province and 62 in Negros Occidental—while 82 people sustained injuries during the typhoon.
Preparedness and Ongoing Vigilance
In anticipation of Severe Tropical Storm Tino's arrival, CGDSEM had activated its Deployable Response Group (DRG), placing emergency teams on standby for potential deployment. The Coast Guard also conducted proactive information campaigns for fisherfolk in Davao City before the typhoon's landfall, warning them about potentially dangerous maritime conditions.
The Coast Guard has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining vigilance and readiness to respond to any maritime emergencies, emphasizing that protecting lives and property at sea remains their highest priority despite the improved weather conditions.
