IN THE STORM'S PATH. Samal Island Garden City is likely to be hit by typhoon 'Pablo'. Image from Google Maps

DAVAO CITY, Philippines - The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) suspended small vessels from going out to sea and island hopping tours in the Island Garden City of Samal as typhoon "Pablo" continues to threaten Davao on Monday, December 3.

PCG Davao Station Commander Jose Balbino Luspo said in an interview in a local radio station that they have automatically implemented the suspension after public storm signal warning #1 (45-60 km/h winds) was raised over the area by weather bureau PAGASA.

The warning was elevated further to storm signal #2 (61-100 km/h winds) as Pablo gets closer and is expected to make landfall on Tuesday morning in the vicinity of Surigao del Sur.

Authorities will however allow certain trips and the ferry service from Davao.

“Unlike in other parts of Samal, the points of origin and destination of these trips are on line of sight. And the travel time is only less than an hour. We would allow it unless the situation should worsen,” Luspo said.

The official added that the suspension order will be immediately terminated if the storm signal warning is lifted by PAGASA.

“We are hoping that the weather condition will improve so that we can resume the normal trips in Samal,” Luspo said.

The PCG Davao Station Commander declared that response teams and special operation units are on heightened alert: “These units are ready to be deployed and to respond.”

Davao has been preparing since Sunday for possible flooding and landslides as Pablo moves closer to the area. - Rappler.com