BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar — Governor Ralph Vincent ‘RV’ Evardone reported widespread disruptions across the province, including a temporary blackout, mass evacuations, and reports of missing fishers after Typhoon Opong (BUALOI) made landfall in San Policarpo, Eastern Samar, at 11:30 p.m. on September 25, 2025.
Governor Evardone reported that as of 2 a.m. Friday, the entire province experienced a power outage, with electricity gradually restored in many areas by 9 a.m.
According to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) situation report released at 8 a.m. on September 26, about 15,882 families or 54,515 individuals, were affected by the storm, with 2,556 families or 8,508 individuals seeking shelter in evacuation centers.
In San Policarpo, 241 families have already returned home, while Maslog recorded 1,970 evacuees and Arteche had the highest displacement with 2,002 individuals in evacuation centers. No flooding or damage to houses, agriculture, livestock, or poultry were reported as of press time.
Seven individuals from Canawayon, Homonhon Island, Guiuan, were rescued early morning of September 26, after their boat capsized mid-sea due to strong waves on September 25. Despite PAGASA raising Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 in Eastern Samar, the group left the island before the incident. The rescued were identified as Marjorie Ballayog, Jeade Badoc, Jaypee Samarro, James Benedict Badoc, Jeffrey Ballayog, Jonathan Macabenta, and Ella Garado, a pregnant woman from Barangay Casuguran. They were rushed to Felipe Abrigo Memorial Hospital in Guiuan, with support extended by Guiuan Mayor Analiza Kwan.
Meanwhile, five fishers from Maydolong remain missing after going fishing at the onset of the typhoon. They were identified as Elbert Tating, 45; Berbie Calosar, 42; Harold Cris Buenafe, 28; Ricky Bajado, 39; and Rembert Versoza, 41. Governor Evardone has sought assistance from the Office of Civil Defense Region 8 to aid in the search and rescue operations.
Heavy rains also prompted the Department of Public Works and Highways – Eastern Samar District Engineering Office to temporarily close the Wright–Taft–Borongan road section on Thursday due to possible landslide risks. The closure was lifted on Friday, September 26.
Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer Engr. Thomas Campomanes said the PDRRMO continues to monitor the weather situation while keeping the Emergency Operations Center active. Relief goods have been prepositioned for distribution to affected families.
Governor Evardone said the provincial government continuously monitors the situation and remains ready to respond to any incident.
“We urge residents to report any incidents from their areas so we can consolidate data and provide immediate assistance. Continuous monitoring of affected communities is ongoing, and the provincial government remains on full alert to respond as needed,” Evardone added. (By Vee Tolentino-Gumban/PIA Eastern Samar)
