Tropical depression moves away from Palawan

MANILA, Philippines - Tropical depression "Gener" continued to move away from Palawan province early Saturday, even as rains and thunderstorms loom over the whole country, state weather forecasters said. In its 5 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said "Gener" was 580 kms west-northwest of Coron, Northern Palawan as of 2 a.m. Pagasa said the depression packed maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and is forecast to move northwest at 19 kph. "The whole country will experience mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms," it said. Moderate to strong winds blowing from the southwest would prevail over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas with moderate to rough seas. Light to moderate winds from the southwest and south would dominate over the rest of Luzon and coming from the southwest over the rest of the country. Coastal waters over these areas would be slight to moderate except during thunderstorms. No public storm warning signals were raised, but Pagasa said "Gener" would continue to enhance the Southwest monsoon and bring rains over the western sections of Luzon and Visayas. Pagasa reiterated Friday night its warning for residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes to take all necessary precautions against possible flashfloods and landslides. - GMANews.TV