NDCC: No major damage sustained from ‘Marce’

MANILA, Philippines - Already on its way out of the country, typhoon "Marce" has spared the Philippines from death and destruction, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said Friday. In a radio interview, NDCC deputy administrator Anthony Golez Jr said the only sign of the presence of "Marce" was the heavy rains and floods brought by the monsoon which the typhoon enhanced. "Walang direct effect sa ating bansa ang bagyo. But ang nakita natin, because of the typhoon, enhanced ang southwest monsoon na nagdulot ng baha especially sa Metro Manila (The typhoon did not have any direct effect on the country because it did not make landfall. But because of the typhoon, the monsoon was enhanced, and brought rains and floods to Metro Manila)," Golez said in an interview on dzXL radio. Golez said the typhoon actually strengthened but it was fortunate that it did not cross any part of the country. Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said "Marce" was moving northward and on its way to Taiwan. Radio dzBB cited reports by Pagasa forecasters who said the typhoon is expected to exit Philippine territory Sunday. - GMANews.TV