LUCENA CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Monday, February 9, 2026, suspended the voyages of all small searcraft in the northern portion of Quezon province, particularly within Lamon Bay, due to dangerous sea conditions.
The suspension has effectively halted travel between the mainland and the island municipalities of the Polillo Group of Islands and the northern coastal towns of the Real, Infanta, and General Nakar (REINA) area.
Safety Measures and Gale Warning The PCG-Quezon station issued the travel advisory following a gale warning from state weather bureau PAGASA.
- Vessel Restrictions: The suspension applies to vessels with 250 gross tonnage or less, including passenger outriggers (bangkas) and small fishing boats.
- Weather Triggers: The rough seas are being driven by the combined effects of the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) and a Shear Line, which have brought strong winds and waves reaching up to 4.5 meters in height.
- Monitoring: Coast Guard personnel have been deployed to various ports, including the Real and Infanta ports, to ensure that no small vessels attempt to venture out into the open sea.
Impact on Island Communities The suspension has left hundreds of passengers stranded at port terminals, while island residents face potential delays in the delivery of essential goods.
- Polillo Islands: Trips to the towns of Polillo, Burdeos, Panukulan, Jomalig, and Patnanungan have been completely cut off.
- Fisherfolk Warning: Local fishing communities in northern Quezon have been advised to remain on shore, as the unpredictable swells pose a high risk of capsizing for traditional wooden-hulled boats.
Response and Assistance Local government units (LGUs) in the affected towns have activated their respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Offices (DRRMOs) to monitor coastal barangays. Stranded passengers are being provided with basic assistance at designated holding areas within the ports.
The PCG has clarified that larger vessels may still be allowed to travel, but only at the discretion of their masters and under strict monitoring of the weather conditions. The suspension for small craft will remain in effect until the gale warning is lifted and sea conditions are deemed safe for navigation.