Typhoon Opong Exits Philippine Area of Responsibility but Monsoon Threat Persists

MANILA – Typhoon Opong has officially moved outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported in its 11 a.m. bulletin on Saturday.\n\nAs of 10 a.m., the typhoon's center was located approximately 645 kilometers west of Sangley Point in Cavite City, progressing west-northwestward towards northern Vietnam at a speed of 35 kilometers per hour.\n\nDespite Opong’s departure from the PAR, PAGASA warned that the typhoon continues to intensify the southwest monsoon, resulting in strong to gale-force gusts across Luzon, Western Visayas, and Negros Occidental.\n\nRough sea conditions are anticipated along the seaboards of Lubang Island, Kalayaan Islands, Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, Isabela, Ilocos Norte, Zambales, as well as the western coasts of Bataan, Calamian Islands, and Northern Palawan.\n\nAuthorities have cautioned mariners, particularly those operating small craft or motorboats, to avoid venturing into these waters, especially if vessels are not properly equipped or operators lack experience.\n\nModerate seas are expected over the eastern seaboards of Aurora, the northern and eastern coasts of the Polillo Islands, and the western shores of Occidental Mindoro and Palawan.\n\nResidents and travelers are advised to remain vigilant and monitor official updates as weather conditions evolve.