PAGASA: Just LPA, not tropical depression

CEBU, Philippines - Gloomy skies and scattered rain showers greeted Cebu a day after Christmas.

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services attributed this to the low pressure area that was looming over Cotabato as of 10 am yesterday morning.

Vangie Tolentino, of PAGASA Region 7, said that the rain was due to the tail end of a cold front which was earlier detected in Butuan before it moved to Cotabato.

However, Tolentino confirmed that the rain would not turn in to a tropical depression and would barely be felt today.

Coastguard Region 7 Petty Officer 2 for Operations Dindo Tabanal, who spoke in behalf of Acting Commander Agapito Bibat, said that so far no vessel or ship has been ordered to sail out.

He said that based on PAGASA’s weather bulletin, they would not need to give an order yet but they will be on the lookout especially for small fishing boats.

Meanwhile, Tabanal said that everything went smoothly in ports during the Christmas season, especially last December 25.

Tabanal said these are critical times because there are always more ship passengers during the Christmas season compared to the rest of the year.

He said they will still continue to ensure the safety and security of passengers and ships with people still coming in and out of the region, especially with Sinulog festivities fast approaching.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council office had no reports of flooding in the city but still reminded residents living near creeks and rivers to be cautious at all times. (FREEMAN)