PAGASA: New cyclone to enter PHL territory Saturday

The low-pressure area (LPA) approaching the Philippines intensified into a cyclone Friday, with state weather forecasters indicating it may enter Philippine territory Saturday. Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the cyclone was virtually stationary as of Friday noon. "Naging ganap na bagyo ang LPA pero sa labas pa rin ng Philippine area of responsibility. Hindi ito halos gumagalaw," he said in an interview on dzBB radio Friday noon. Aurelio said the cyclone, to be codenamed "Pedring" upon entering the Philippine area of responsibility, was estimated at about 1,320 km east of the Visayas. But he said that while their models show the cyclone will likely enter Philippine territory Saturday, it will not directly affect the country until at least Sunday. "Upon its entry, it will not be immediately felt. We expect it to start affecting the country on Sunday or Monday," he said. Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said it is now preparing for the entry of the cyclone. The NDRRMC alerted police and military forces as well as the Office of the Civil Defense for the possible effects of the cyclone, according to a report by dzBB’s Benjie Liwanag Jr. — LBG, GMA News