Ferry services suspended across Batangas, Mindoro amid tropical depression

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Maritime authorities halted passenger and cargo ferry operations across two key Philippine provinces Thursday morning as severe weather conditions threatened coastal routes.

The Philippine Ports Authority ordered the suspension of sea trips at the Port Management Office in Batangas and other facilities serving the Batangas and Oriental Mindoro corridor, citing the combined impact of tropical depression Neneng and the active southwest monsoon system.

Port officials cited rough seas and reduced visibility as primary safety concerns affecting inter-island transport. The suspension affected scheduled sailings for both passenger ferries and cargo vessels that typically service the high-volume routes connecting Batangas, Mindoro, and neighboring provinces.

The weather system prompted authorities to implement maritime safety protocols and advise travelers to postpone non-essential trips. Officials indicated that services would resume once conditions improved and sea state assessments permitted safe navigation.

The Philippines Meteorological Agency has been monitoring the tropical depression's movement across the region as the southwest monsoon continues to bring unsettled weather across South and Southeast Asian waters.