Cebu port resumes operations

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Baseport in Cebu City, which was damaged due to Typhoon Odette, has resumed operations.

Cebu Port Authority general manager Leonilo Miole said cargo operations at the Cebu International Port also resumed on Saturday.

“It is vital that our ports remain operational to accommodate departing and incoming vessels and ensure that essential supplies, including relief goods, are delivered to all beneficiaries at the earliest possible time,” Miole said.

He reminded the public that only passengers with tickets and valid identification cards shall be allowed entry into the port.

The Maritime Industry Authority allowed domestic vessels to sail to prevent stranding of passengers and assist in the delivery of relief goods to areas affected by the typhoon.

Domestic ship owners were requested to prioritize the transport of relief goods.

Meanwhile, the Port of Lipata in Surigao City known as the “Gateway of Mindanao” has been closed.

Philippine Ports Authority-Surigao acting port manager Froilan Caturla said this means roll-on roll-off (RoRo) ferry services from Lipata to San Ricardo, Benit and Liloan in Southern Leyte are suspended.

The Port of Lipata is Mindanao’s premier RoRo link to the Visayas and the rest of the country. – /The Freeman, Ben Serrano