GUIUAN, Eastern Samar — Seven individuals, including a pregnant woman and a 12-year-old boy, were rescued after their motorboat capsized at the height of Typhoon Opong’s strong winds and heavy rainfall in the morning of September 26..
Authorities identified the passengers as boat owner Jonathan Makabenta, Marjorie Ballayog, Jeade Badoc, Jaype Samarro, Jeffrey Badayong, Ella Garado, who is six months pregnant, and James Benedict Badoc, 12.
Guiuan Mayor Annaliza Gonzales-Kwan said the group was bound for Barangay Canawayon on Homonhon Island when their boat was struck by powerful winds and towering waves at around 6 a.m. of September 25.
The vessel capsized in the waters between Guiuan mainland and Homonhon Island, leaving the passengers struggling to stay afloat.
Homonhon Island, located about two hours away from Guiuan by sea during fair weather, is home to eight barangays: Bitaugan, Cagusu-an, Canawayon, Casuguran, Culasi, Habag, Inapulangan, and Bagbabangnan.
Mayor Kwan noted that local authorities had already issued a no-sailing order on Wednesday to ensure residents’ safety as Typhoon Opong approached Eastern Samar. However, she said the group circumvented the order by departing from a different port.
“I had already issued a no-sailing policy on Wednesday to prevent any maritime accidents due to the approaching typhoon,” Kwan explained.
“But they used a different port. When I was informed about the incident, I immediately ordered a search and rescue operation with the help of the Philippine Coast Guard.”
The timely intervention of the Coast Guard and local responders ensured all seven passengers were safely rescued and brought back to Guiuan for medical checks.
No fatalities were reported, though authorities reminded residents to strictly observe maritime advisories during typhoons.
Local officials stressed the importance of compliance with safety protocols, particularly in storm-prone provinces like Eastern Samar, where sea travel is often disrupted by hazardous weather.
As Typhoon Opong continued to bring heavy rains across the region, Guiuan authorities urged residents to remain indoors, avoid unnecessary travel, and heed disaster preparedness measures.
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