Pagasa advises small seacraft from leaving shore

MANILA, Philippines - Saying typhoon "Igme" is still enhancing the southwest monsoon, state weather forecasters on Monday discouraged fishermen in small vessels from leaving port, at least for the day. In an interview on dzBB radio, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) weather forecasting bureau chief Nathaniel Cruz advised small seacraft not to sail for now, citing strong winds brought by the monsoon. Cruz noted that the weather is not expected to improve until Tuesday. "Ang malaking bapor sa walang signal, posible. Pero maging maingat sa paglalayag. Ang maliit na sasakyang pandagat kung posible huwag muna pumalaot ngayon habang malakas ang hanging habagat (Large craft can set sail but they have to be very careful. But we discourage those in small craft from leaving port at least for today, because the winds are very strong)," Cruz said. Cruz also belied claims that the "sunny" weather earlier Monday meant the weather has improved, saying the rains brought by the monsoon are intermittent. The official said this weather condition is likely to persist for the day in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Bataan and other parts of Central Luzon. "Bukas unti-unti nang gaganda ang panahon habang ang bagyo ay palabas sa Philippine area of responsibility (Starting Tuesday, we can expect the weather to improve as 'Igme' moves further from the Philippine area of responsibility)," Cruz said. - GMANews.TV