Severe Tropical Storm Opong Maintains Strength Moving Towards Mindoro, Raises Warnings Across Multiple Regions

Severe Tropical Storm Opong has maintained its intensity after passing over Sibuyan and Tablas Islands in Romblon and is currently advancing toward Mindoro Island, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

As of the latest update, Opong was located over the coastal waters of Ferrol, Romblon, with maximum sustained winds reaching 110 kilometers per hour near its center, gusts up to 150 km/h, and a central pressure of 985 hPa.

In response, PAGASA issued Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals across numerous provinces:

Signal No. 3 was raised for areas including Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, Occidental and Oriental Mindoro, and northern Aklan among others.

Signal No. 2 applies to parts of Luzon such as southern Zambales, Bataan, southern Pampanga, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, and southern Quezon, as well as several provinces in Visayas including northern Antique and Capiz.

Signal No. 1 covers regions like Pangasinan, most of Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, the rest of Pampanga and Bulacan, parts of Palawan, and various Visayan provinces.

Moreover, PAGASA highlighted that the Southwest Monsoon remains intensified by Opong's presence, likely to generate strong to gale-force wind gusts in the Ilocos Region, CAR, Cagayan Valley, Palawan, Visayas, parts of Mindanao, and neighboring regions today, extending to Luzon and Western Visayas by September 27.

The storm made landfall over San Fernando and Alcantara in Romblon early Friday morning and continues its west-northwest trajectory. PAGASA forecasts landfall on the southern section of Occidental Mindoro by midday or early afternoon Friday. Officials warn that Opong is expected to sustain its severe tropical storm status, with potential re-strengthening likely before exiting the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Saturday afternoon.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is currently confirming reports of four fatalities in the Bicol Region linked to the storm and six individuals reported missing in Eastern Visayas. An OCD representative stated during a briefing, "We have information of four deaths reported in Bicol, but these are pending validation. Additionally, approximately six persons remain missing in Region 8."

In anticipation of the storm's impact, classes and government work were suspended across various affected areas on Friday, and numerous flights were canceled due to adverse weather conditions.

Authorities continue to monitor Opong closely as it progresses, urging the public to observe safety protocols and stay updated with official announcements.