By Xander Ledesma
Ferry services from Tabon Port and Caticlan Port in Malay, Aklan, were abruptly canceled this morning due to the escalating threat of Super Typhoon Pepito. The announcement, made at 5:00 AM today by the Coast Guard District Western Visayas and the Coast Guard Station Aklan, affects ferry routes to key destinations including Batangas, Mindoro, and Romblon.
The decision to suspend operations was prompted by the rapid intensification of Typhoon Pepito, with its winds and rains growing dangerously strong. This interruption has had a major impact on vital maritime routes that connect Panay, Mindoro, Batangas, and Romblon—essential links for residents and visitors, amplifying the region’s challenges.
Super Typhoon Pepito is currently moving through the central Philippines with maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h, and gusts that could reach up to 230 km/h. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued Storm Signals for multiple regions, with Western Visayas, including Aklan, expected to bear the brunt of the storm within the next 24 hours.
PAGASA also warns that the storm will bring heavy rainfall, raising concerns about potential flooding, landslides, and storm surges, particularly in coastal areas. In light of these hazardous conditions, maritime authorities have taken swift action to safeguard passengers and cargo by suspending all ferry operations from Tabon and Caticlan ports—two of the region’s most critical transportation hubs.
The suspension of services has caused a significant disruption for travelers and businesses dependent on the ferry routes. Both Tabon Port and Caticlan Port are crucial for inter-island travel in the Visayas, and the halting of ferry services is expected to have a cascading effect, particularly on the tourism and commerce sectors.
Boracay Island, a renowned international tourist destination, is particularly affected as it relies heavily on ferry transportation from Caticlan. Numerous tourists scheduled to travel to Batangas, Mindoro, and Romblon will now have to rearrange their plans or delay their travel due to the storm’s worsening conditions.
Local businesses involved in shipping goods and services to other islands are also bracing for delays. The suspension of ferry services is likely to disrupt the transport of essential supplies, including food, medical items, and building materials, potentially leading to shortages in the affected areas if the storm persists.
With over 7, 000 islands, the Philippines relies heavily on sea transport for connecting its regions, making ferry services a key element of both daily life and commerce. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) works diligently to monitor weather patterns and coordinate with local authorities to limit ferry operations during extreme weather events. This preventive strategy has been vital in protecting lives during past typhoons, underscoring the importance of preparedness and caution in the face of natural disasters.
In addition to disrupting sea travel, Typhoon Pepito is expected to cause widespread flooding, which may affect coastal communities, particularly in lower-lying areas of Aklan and neighboring provinces. The region’s vulnerability to storm surges and flooding highlights the need for continued vigilance and readiness as the storm progresses.