MANILA – The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) has reported that the majority of its ports across the country remain operational despite a series of earthquakes that have occurred since Monday. According to a recent situation report, only the Liloan Municipal Port in Southern Leyte has been closed due to significant structural damage caused by a 5.8 magnitude earthquake on Thursday morning. The port, primarily utilized by cargo ships, is currently under the supervision of the Terminal Management Office (TMO) – Liloan for safety and repair assessments.
The earthquake, which registered an Intensity V at the Liloan Municipal Port and nearby facilities, also affected other ports in the region with varying intensities. However, no other ports reported significant damage. In Batangas, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck Calatagan on Monday evening, but both Calatagan and Batangas ports sustained no damage and resumed operations shortly after a safety inspection.
Similarly, the Port Management Office (PMO) in Mindoro confirmed no damage following a 2.6 magnitude earthquake at TMO Lubang. In Surigao del Norte, a 5.0 magnitude earthquake occurred on Wednesday evening, followed by a 5.7 magnitude event near Leyte on Thursday, yet no damage was reported at PPA ports in the area.
In Misamis Occidental, an earthquake was detected at the Ozamiz Port on Thursday morning. The port’s early warning systems successfully triggered an evacuation, ensuring the safety of all passengers and staff. Subsequent inspections by the PMO’s Engineering Services Division confirmed the safety of all structures, allowing the port to resume operations promptly.