MANILA, Philippines – The state-run weather agency said Tuesday that it lifted the storm signal over areas in Mindanao but it remained hoisted over some provinces in Luzon and Visayas due to Tropical Depression “Verbena”. Nathaniel Servando, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) chief, said Signal No. 1 was still up over Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, the northern and central portions of Palawan including Calamian, Cuyo, and Cagayancillo Islands, and mainland Masbate in Luzon. In the Visayas, Signal No. 1 was also raised over Antique, Aklan, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Cebu, he said. Maintaining its strength with maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 90kph while moving west-northwestward at 35kph, Verbena was estimated over the coastal waters of Hamtic, Antique, the national weather bureau said. Servando said the tropical depression has passed over Guimaras and Southwestern Panay and was now over the Sulu Sea. He said Verbena may reach tropical storm category near the northern portion of Palawan where it may make its 5th landfall tonight. Signal No. 2 will be the highest wind signal at this time. Verbena will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility early Thursday morning, Pagasa said.
