PAGASA Raises Signal No. 3 as Severe Tropical Storm Opong Approaches Eastern Visayas and Bicol

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) raised Wind Signal No. 3 in six provinces as severe tropical storm Opong advanced toward the Eastern Visayas and Bicol regions, with landfall expected today.

Metro Manila along with 32 other locations were placed under Signal No. 1, while 21 additional areas were issued Signal No. 2 warnings. PAGASA indicated that the highest wind warning might escalate to Signal No. 4 during the storm’s passage.

As of 7 p.m. yesterday, Opong was located approximately 150 kilometers east of Borongan City, Eastern Samar, moving west-northwest at 20 kilometers per hour with sustained winds of 110 kph near its center and gusts reaching 135 kph.

In response, Malacañang ordered suspension of classes in Metro Manila and 26 surrounding provinces, as well as work stoppages in government offices in Metro Manila and seven provinces to mitigate risks from expected heavy rainfall caused by Opong.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin’s memorandum formally covered class suspensions in all levels across Metro Manila, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Samar, Masbate, Romblon, and Sorsogon. Additional class suspensions for today extend to Aklan, Albay, Antique, Batangas, Bataan, Camarines Norte and Sur, Capiz, Cavite, Catanduanes, Guimaras, Iloilo, Laguna, Leyte, Marinduque, Negros Occidental, Oriental Mindoro, Rizal, and Quezon.

Critical government services, particularly those vital to health and emergency response, remain operational.

PAGASA’s 8 p.m. bulletin identified areas under Signal No. 3: Sorsogon, southern Albay, Masbate, Northern Samar, northern Eastern Samar, and northern Samar. The agency warned of potential "moderate to significant" impacts to life and property within these zones.

Signal No. 2 includes Laguna, Batangas, southern Quezon, Camarines Norte and Sur, the remainder of Albay, Catanduanes, Marinduque, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Calamian Islands, rest of Eastern Visayas, rest of Samar, Biliran, northern Leyte, northern Cebu (including Bantayan Islands), northern Aklan, northern Capiz, northern Iloilo, and Caluya Island.

The broad Signal No. 1 advisories cover Metro Manila plus central and southern Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, southwestern Mountain Province, Benguet, southern Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, rest of Quezon, Cuyo Islands, northern Palawan, rest of Leyte, Southern Leyte, northern Bohol, northern Cebu (including Camotes Islands), northern Negros Occidental, central Iloilo, rest of Capiz, rest of Aklan, northern Antique, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands.

PAGASA forecasts Opong making its first landfall in Northern Samar or northern Eastern Samar early Friday morning, before proceeding to the Bicol region, where it may make another landfall near Sorsogon later that day. There is a possibility Opong will intensify into a typhoon before landfall.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) issued a lahar warning for Mayon Volcano in Albay, citing heavy to intense rainfall likely to trigger mudflows and volcanic sediment transport downstream.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) cautioned residents about flooding and landslides heightened by continuous rains and the enhanced southwest monsoon conditions. OCD Administrator Harold Cabreros emphasized the increased risk, stating, "These rains are continuous and may cause renewed flooding, and landslides, especially in areas that are already saturated. Other hazards may also occur."

In light of Opong, Malacañang activated the 2024 National Disaster Response Plan (NDRP), mandating government agencies to implement coordinated strategies designed to protect lives, provide prompt assistance, and reduce disaster impacts. Executive Secretary Bersamin directed the NDRRMC and OCD to lead implementation efforts and disseminate the plan broadly.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) confirmed preparedness measures for Metro Manila. MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes convened the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) to finalize contingency plans.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) announced it has over ₱3.16 billion in funds and supplies set aside for relief operations. Meanwhile, the Philippine Army readied 149 response teams with nearly 2,000 personnel deployable to Bicol and Eastern Visayas.

Acting Chief of the Philippine National Police, Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., instructed police units in affected regions to coordinate closely with agencies for an integrated response.

Additionally, the Department of Interior and Local Government urged Bicol local leaders to take proactive preparedness measures, particularly against potential lahar flows spurred by heavy rains around Mayon Volcano.