PAGASA: Tropical depression moves closer to PHL

The tropical depression that threatens to enter Philippine territory this weekend slowed down slightly as it moved closer toward Mindanao Saturday noon. In its advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the cyclone was 1,230 km east of Mindanao as of 10 a.m. “This disturbance is still outside of the Philippine area of responsibility and does not affect any part of the country," PAGASA said. Earlier, Science and Technology Undersecretary Graciano Yumul Jr. said their present models show the cyclone may move toward northeast Luzon and directly affect parts of the country starting next week. He said the cyclone, which will be named “Chedeng" once it enters Philippine territory, is still gaining strength and will likely enhance the southwest monsoon. — JE, GMA News