PAGASA warns fishermen not to venture into open sea

CEBU, Philippines — As several sea mishaps had been reported in the previous days, a local weather specialists has warned fishermen and small scale vessel operators from venturing into the open seas due to huge waves.

Alfredo Quiblat, Jr., officer-in-charge of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in Cebu, said that fishers and vessel captains can expect unfavorable sea condition off Cebu in the succeeding days.

The bad condition on the seaboards of Cebu is due to the strong winds brought about by the Southwest monsoon, locally known as "Habagat."

Quiblat explained that the presence of tropical cyclones, or "bagyo," and any weather disturbance typically enhances the strength of the Southwest monsoon.

He, however, said conditions in Luzon are worse than in Cebu since the disturbance is near their region. Gale warning is in fact issued in the areas in the northern tip of Luzon.

Quiblat told passengers and captains to heed the advice of the Philippine Coast Guard if it orders to cancel sea trips especially destinations to areas under the gale warning.

Quiblat added that the enhanced Southwest monsoon has been prevailing with the series of tropical cyclones entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) that are frequently occurring in July.

Two to four tropical cyclones were earlier forecasted to develop and enter PAR this month.

The fourth and recent one is tropical depression Josie, after Gardo, Henry, and Inday.

Quiblat, however, said Josie is about to leave the Philippine domain, although another developing weather system is being monitored by the weather bureau. (FREEMAN)