Over 10,000 passengers were stranded at ports across the Philippines on early morning of October 25 as Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (International name Trami) battered the country with rough seas.
Hazardous maritime conditions brought port operations to a standstill, preventing vessels, motorbancas, and rolling cargo from continuing their journeys. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported that 10,236 passengers, along with truck drivers and cargo helpers, got stuck at 115 ports from 12 midnight until 4 am on October 25.
In addition to the stranded passengers, 96 vessels, 17 motorbancas, and 2,699 rolling cargoes were also stranded. Meanwhile, 317 vessels and 263 motorbancas sought shelter to avoid the storm’s fury.
This sharp increase in numbers followed earlier reports on the afternoon of October 24, as the storm’s impact worsened throughout the day. The worst-hit regions were Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Southern Tagalog, and Northeastern Mindanao, while Southern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Visayas, and the National Capital Region-Central Luzon also faced significant effects.
Severe Tropical Storm Kristine disrupted not only sea travel but also triggered land warnings. By October 24 afternoon, the storm reached the coastal waters of Santa Cruz, Ilocos Sur, prompting the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) to raise Signal No. 3 and Signal No. 2 in parts of Luzon.
The current Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal system uses five levels of wind signals that are numbered from 1 to 5, with a higher signal number associated with higher general wind strength and shorter warning lead time.
PAGASA placed Metro Manila under Signal No. 2 by October 24 evening, advising mariners to remain in port or seek shelter due to unsafe travel conditions.
Kristine’s path took it across Northern Luzon, with forecasts suggesting it might weaken slightly before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by October 25.
However, meteorologists noted that the storm could potentially “loop” back over the West Philippine Sea on October 27 or 28, depending on the development of a low-pressure area near Mindanao.
“In the extended outlook, there is a developing forecast situation wherein Kristine will be looping over the West Philippine Sea on Sunday and Monday and move eastward or east-northwestward towards the general direction of the PAR region,” PAGASA said. The storm may re-intensify as it passes over the sea.
Rescue operations are ongoing in several regions, especially in Bicol, where torrential rains have submerged villages in floodwaters.
Initial reports from local authorities indicate that the storm has already claimed the lives of 26 people, injured nine, and left four missing, although these figures are still being validated.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) estimates that more than 2.3 million individuals have been affected by the storm. As of October 24 evening, 2,363,070 people, or 494 families, across 2,530 barangays, experienced impacts from flooding and heavy rains.
Of the affected population, 254,189 people have been displaced, with over 193,000 taking refuge in 5,097 evacuation centers. Another 60,823 people found shelter elsewhere as floodwaters rose.
Widespread disruption also hit businesses and schools, forcing them to close, while flights were canceled and financial markets faced their third consecutive day of suspension.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla assured Filipinos that the government is monitoring the situation in all areas affected by Typhoon Kristine. He also said that agencies are coordinating to provide immediate assistance.
As of this writing, government aid to affected families has reached P49,256,602 (US$849,361).



Philippine Coast Guard rescuers evacuate residents in Bicol. Photos credit: Philippine Coast Guard

Two vessels run aground at Batangas port due to strong waves and wind brought by the storm. Photo credit: Philippine Ports Authority


Passengers are stranded at ports nationwide after sea travel was suspended. Photos credit: Philippine Ports Authority
PPA probes vessels that hit Batangas port
Meanwhile, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) launched an investigation into two vessels that struck Batangas Port during the storm.
The port of Batangas, located 110 kilometers south of Metro Manila in Barangay Sta. Clara, Batangas City, serves as a major hub in the Calabarzon region.
According to Mark Palomar, PPA’s assistant general manager for operations, one of the vessels, Super Shuttle 2, broke anchor, and authorities found its captain missing when they responded to the incident.
“There were two vessels in Batangas which hit our port. One was the Super Shuttle 2. It was at anchorage sometime during the night, and it broke anchor. It was reported, and when they were looking for the captain, he was not on the vessel, which is a violation of our regulations,” Palomar said during a press briefing in Malacañang Palace on Thursday.
“We are currently conducting an investigation on this, and proper charges will be filed,” he added.
The second vessel, the oil tanker Cassandra, had previously drawn the attention of the Bureau of Customs for unmarked fuel transfer and remained tied to the dock. Palomar noted that a request had surfaced to move the vessel ahead of the storm’s arrival.
“With regards to the other vessel, MT Cassandra, this vessel was seized by the Bureau of Customs last week as part of a joint task force with the Bureau of Customs, the maritime police, and the Coast Guard,” Palomar said.
Port police discovered the situation early on October 24 during a routine inspection. They detected a foul odor near the Passenger Terminal Building, which later traced back to an oil leak from the MTKR Cassandra, docked at the ferry berth. Oil spread in the surrounding waters.
Further inspections revealed that Super Shuttle RoRo 2 had lost its anchor and was drifting near Multipurpose Berth 2.
The Philippine National Police-Maritime Group had earlier reported that the Bureau of Customs sought assistance from the Batangas Maritime Police Station to investigate the alleged fuel smuggling involving the MT Cassandra, following intelligence reports.
“So, an investigation is also ongoing regarding the liabilities of individuals involved,” Palomar said.
Top photo credit: Philippine Coast Guard. Philippine Coast Guard rescuers evacuate residents in Bicol.