LTO advises against non-essential travel to Bicol, Visayas, Mindanao due to Tropical Storm Pepito

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is advising against non-essential land travel to and from the Bicol Region, Visayas, and Mindanao via Matnog Port due to Tropical Storm Pepito.

This advisory, effective starting 6:00 PM on November 14, discourages travel from NCR and nearby areas to Bicol, and to and from Visayas and Mindanao via Matnog Port in Sorsogon.

The LTO, in coordination with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), is urging motorists and travelers to exercise extreme caution on the road or stay home.

Tropical Storm Pepito, internationally known as Man-Yi, was expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Thursday night.

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has imposed a temporary suspension on all land travel by buses and trucks bound for Visayas and Mindanao via Matnog Port and other areas in the Bicol Region.

This decision was based on the recommendation of the OCD regional office and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to prevent the buildup of stranded passengers and vehicles along Maharlika Highway and other major roads.