Thousands were stranded at Southern Tagalog and Bicol region ports due to the effects of Severe Tropical Storm Opong, reported the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Friday morning.

From 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., 2,526 passengers and transport personnel were stranded in Bicol ports, with 1,195 more in Southern Tagalog ports.

Central Visayas ports logged a total of 850 people stranded, followed by Eastern Visayas ports with 749 people; 257 people were unable to leave Northeastern Mindanao ports, with an additional 187 people at Southern Visayas ports.

Overall, 5,845 passengers, truck drivers, and cargo helpers were affected.

So far, Opong has made landfall at least four times: first in Eastern Samar on Thursday night, then in Masbate, and twice over Romblon on Friday, according to a report.