THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (Caap) have announced the reopening of land and air transport hubs as Typhoon Uwan further weakened over the West Philippine Sea.
In an advisory on Monday, the DOTr said all travel suspensions were lifted, but emphasized that the safety of passengers, drivers, conductors, and public utility vehicles (PUVs) must remain paramount.
‘All transport service entities are advised to take precautionary measures as they resume provincial and city operations,’ it said.
DOTr acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez visited the bus terminals in Legarda, Manila, in line with President Marcos’ directive to ensure the safety and security of commuters while Uwan is still inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility.
Lopez assessed the situation of the stranded passengers at the bus terminals of the Florida Bus Company and Victory Liner.
‘Ang bilin sa atin ng Pangulo dapat safe ang mga pasahero, lalung-lalo na ngayong may bagyo. Hindi natin puwedeng i-risk ang safety nila tinitiyak natin hindi lang sa mga pasahero, kundi na rin pati sa driver at konduktor, na iyong mga dadaanan nila pauwi sa kanilang probinsya ay ligtas [The President has instructed us that passengers must be safe, especially now that there is a typhoon. We cannot risk their safety. We assure not only the passengers, but also the drivers and conductors, that the routes they will take to return to their provinces are safe],’ Lopez said as quoted in a news release.
Meanwhile, the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) and the Batangas City Grand Terminal also announced the resumption of several previously suspended bus trips.
At the same time, the Caap announced the lifting of its ‘Notice to Airmen [Notam]’ and resumption of normal operations in the Bicol International Airport, Masbate Airport, Naga Airport, Virac Airport, Daet Airport, and Cauayan Airport.
‘In addition, Baguio Airport has reopened for operations; however, Visual Flight Rules (VFR) remain suspended due to heavy rains causing poor visibility,’ it said.
However, operations remain suspended at Bulan Airport, Bacon Airport, Sangley Airport, Plaridel Airport, Iba Airport, and Subic Airport.
‘Caap continues to monitor the situation and coordinate with concerned airports for updates on resumption of operations,’ it said.