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MANILA, Philippines — Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-yi) caused the raising of Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 2 in Northern and Eastern Samar.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said in its 11 a.m., November 15, bulletin that Pepito gathered more strength and reached the typhoon category at 650 kilometers east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar, on Friday morning.

Pepito, which entered the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Thursday night as a severe tropical storm, currently packs maximum sustained wind speeds of 130 kilometers per hour (kph) and a gustiness of up to 160 kph, based on the latest advisory.

The typhoon was moving westward at 30 kph.

Pagasa specifically declared  TCWS No. 2 over the following areas as of 11 a.m. on Friday:

Northern Samar

• Mapanas
• Gamay
• Palapag
• Lapinig

Eastern Samar

• Arteche
• Oras
• San Policarpo
• Dolores
• Jipapad
• Maslog

It also hoisted TCWS No. 1 due to Pepito in:

Luzon

• Southeastern portion of Quezon
• Camarines Norte
• Camarines Sur
• Catanduanes
• Albay
• Sorsogon
• Masbate

Visayas

• Rest of Northern Samar
• Rest of Eastern Samar
• Samar
• Biliran

Based on Pagasa’s latest track forecast and intensity for Pepito, the typhoon is anticipated to make landfall in the vicinity of Catanduanes on Saturday evening (November 16) or Sunday early morning (November 17).

Pepito was likewise projected to pass through the Bicol Region, Quezon province, Central Luzon, and Pangasinan province, and cross the West Philippine Sea by Sunday evening or Monday morning (November 18).

Pepito is the Philippines’ 16th tropical cyclone this year, and the sixth in less than a month.