Opong: Live updates

CDN Digital September 26,2025 - 06:15 AM

Here are the live updates on Opong (international name: Bualoi), the latest major weather disturbance to enter the Philippines.

READ: LIST: Philippine typhoon names for 2025

Opong entered the Philippine area of responsibility on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

READ: EXPLAINER: What do color-coded rainfall warnings mean?

Refresh this page to get the latest updates on Opong.

Opong exits PAR: No more wind signals hoisted

Typhoon Opong (international name: Bualoi) has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday morning, Sept. 27, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, Pagasa said that no Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals remain hoisted anywhere in the country as Opong moves farther away.

The typhoon was last spotted 645 kilometers west of Sangley Point, Cavite City, moving west-northwest at 35 kilometers per hour (kph) toward northern Vietnam. It carried maximum sustained winds of 120 kph and gusts of 150 kph.

Opong displaces nearly 5K individuals in Cebu; no casualties reported

Minor landslides, uprooted trees, flash floods, and power outages affected various localities as Severe Tropical Storm Opong battered northern Cebu and other parts of the Visayas on Friday.

Close to 5,000 individuals temporarily vacated their homes while a search and rescue operation was launched after a resident of Poro town was reported missing.

Erik Tindog, 35, was later found alive and safe at around 10:20 a.m. on Friday, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said in a report.

Despite the disruptions and damage caused by Opong, no one was reported dead or injured in Cebu.

Suspension of sea travels in Cebu due to Opong lifted

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Station in northern Cebu announced the lifting of sea travel suspension starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, September 26, shortly after the island province was cleared of all Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals.

“Vessels allowed to sail are further reminded to take precautionary measures and be extra vigilant in monitoring the weather,” read part of the PCG’s Sea Travel Advisory.

In its 8 p.m. weather bulletin on Friday, Pagasa said Severe Tropical Storm Opong had already moved over the West Philippine Sea.

Opong death toll rises to 10 after 7 fatalities reported in Biliran

Opong death toll rises to 10 after 7 fatalities reported in Biliran. Photo is a map of Biliran. Inquirer.net graphics

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said on Friday that seven more people were reported dead in Biliran Province due to Severe Tropical Storm Opong.

This would bring the death toll due to Opong to 10, said the OCD.

Four people in the province reportedly died due to flash floods—one in Caibiran town and three in Kawayan town—while three others reportedly died due to storm surge, according to OCD Assistant Secretary Rafael Alejandro IV in a situation report furnished to reporters later in the night.

Alejandro noted that these deaths were still for validation.

Earlier, OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo reported three deaths in Masbate province.

Opong hit Masbate hardest, leaving 3 dead, says OCD

Opong hit Masbate hardest, leaving 3 dead, says OCD. Office of Civil Defense logo
Office of Civil Defense

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) said on Friday that Masbate was so far the hardest hit by the impact of the Severe Tropical Storm Opong as it left at least three fatalities in the province.

OCD spokesperson Junie Castillo in an ambush interview said that “based on the reports we received, the hardest hit is Masbate.”

Two deaths were reported in Masbate City due to drowning and a fallen debris and a collapsed wall, while another fatality in Monreal town was due to a felled tree.

DOTR: Free rebooking, full refund for cancelled flights due to Opong

DOTR: Free rebooking, full refund for cancelled flights due to Opong. FREE REBOOKING. Passengers rest at the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) Lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in this undated photo. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Friday (Sept. 26, 2025) ordered free rebooking or a full refund for cancelled flights due to Severe Tropical Storm Opong. (Screengrab from OWWA Facebook video)
DOTR: Free rebooking, full refund for cancelled flights due to Opong. FREE REBOOKING. Passengers rest at the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) Lounge at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in this undated photo. Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Friday (Sept. 26, 2025) ordered free rebooking or a full refund for cancelled flights due to Severe Tropical Storm Opong. (Screengrab from OWWA Facebook video)

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Friday ordered airlines to waive rebooking fees and offer full refunds to customers with cancelled flights caused by Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Opong (international name Bualoi).

In a statement, Lopez ordered the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to speak to airlines operating in the country and ensure there are no rebooking fees or any other fees related to Opong-cancelled flights.

The order is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to assist passengers affected by the storm.

“Ipinagutos na rin natin sa CAB na ang ating mga airlines dapat kumontak na sa kanilang mga pasahero, para ipaalam kung ang kanilang mga flights ay kanselado o hindi (We also ordered the CAB that airlines should reach out to their passengers to let them know of their cancelled flights),” he said.

He also ordered airport and port managers to provide food and drinks to stranded passengers.

Nearly 4,000 evacuated in northern Cebu due to Opong

Nearly 4,000 evacuated in northern Cebu due to Opong
Cebu province prepares over 2,000 food packs on Friday, September 26, 2025, for distribution to families displaced by Severe Tropical Storm Opong. (PHOTOS FROM THE CEBU PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT)

Around 977 families or 3,952 individuals were evacuated in at least seven towns and one city in northern Cebu, while classes on Friday were suspended across the province due to Severe Tropical Storm “Opong” (international name: Bualoi).

Local government units, including the independent cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu, and the different towns and component cities in Cebu Province, announced the suspension of classes on Thursday evening ahead of the onslaught of Opong.

Data from the Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CPDRRMO) listed 456 families or 1,801 individuals evacuated in Madridejos; 17 families or 70 individuals in Bogo City; 57 families or 111 individuals in San Remigio; 277 families or 1, 380 individuals in Daanbantayan; 154 families or 462 individuals in Tudela; 14 families or 50 individuals in sa Santa Fe; and 2 families or 9 individuals in Bantayan.

These families were temporarily brought to the different evacuation centers and were given food provisions. Some of the families, especially in Bogo, were allowed to return home at around noon on Friday.

LINAW NA ANG KAHIMTANG SA PANAHON SA CEBU

Central Visayas remains on ‘heightened alert’ as Opong passes

Central Visayas remains on 'heightened alert' as Opong passes
PRO-7 Director, Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan. | CDN Digital File Photo

Police Regional Office 7 (PRO-7) have raised their alert status and activated search and rescue teams as ‘Opong’ continues to affect the region.

PRO-7 director Police Brigadier General Redrico A. Maranan said all police units are now on heightened alert, with personnel and equipment on standby for immediate deployment in case of emergencies.

The directive aims to ensure readiness against possible flooding, landslides, and other weather-related incidents.

The move comes as local government units and disaster councils across Central Visayas continue to experience the storm’s impact.

LANDSLIDE SA SAN FERNANDO

Opong update: Cebu City maintains vigilance, heavy equipment on standby

Cebu City is 'ready' if potential earthquake hits - CCDRRMO
Some personnel of Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMO) | CDN Photo / Pia Piquero (FILE PHOTO)

Cebu City has mobilized its disaster response teams and pre-positioned equipment as “Opong” continues to affect the region, Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairman of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC), said on Friday, September 26.

Tumulak said that volunteers and job order personnel remain deployed across barangays, particularly in mountain areas, to monitor conditions and provide immediate response if needed.

Heavy equipment operators are also on standby with backhoes and trucks in upland barangays such as Barangay Bonbon, Buot, and Sirao, which were identified early on as possible high-risk areas.

OPONG: ANOTHER LANDFALL

‘Opong’ to make landfall likely over Occidental Mindoro

'Opong' likely to make landfall over Occidental Mindoro. (Satellite image from PAGASA)

Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) could possibly make landfall over the southern portion of Occidental Mindoro on Friday noon or early afternoon, the weather bureau said.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Opong was last tracked over the coastal waters of Ferrol, Romblon.

The cyclone packs maximum sustained winds of 110 km. per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 150 kph.

SANTA FE PORT SITUATION AT NOON

Opong batters Masbate: Roofs ripped off, trees toppled

'Opong' displaces over 87,000 Bicol residents. DAMAGED. Severe Tropical Storm Opong leaves widespread destruction along its path, with houses destroyed, roofs blown off, and trees toppled in Batuan, Masbate on Friday (Sept. 26, 2025). Masbate, including Ticao and Burias Island, is under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3. (Photo courtesy of Engr. Jerome Martinez)
‘Opong’ displaces over 87,000 Bicol residents. DAMAGED. Severe Tropical Storm Opong leaves widespread destruction along its path, with houses destroyed, roofs blown off, and trees toppled in Batuan, Masbate on Friday (Sept. 26, 2025). Masbate, including Ticao and Burias Island, is under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3. (Photo courtesy of Engr. Jerome Martinez)

Several Masbate towns were battered by Severe Tropical Storm Opong early Friday. The storm tore off roofs, toppled trees, and flooded low-lying areas as winds and heavy rains lashed the province.

Many houses were damaged while debris from fallen trees blocked major roads, said Chris Jo Adigue, head of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) in Palanas.

“At 4:20 a.m., the winds were strong, then suddenly calmed. We even joked that we might be in the eye of ‘Opong.’ But by 4:32, the winds picked up again and everything was falling,” Adigue told the Inquirer.

Ways to keep pets safe this rainy season

As the rainy season begins, the floods and storms bring more than just inconvenience. They also put lives at risk including the lives of the most vulnerable members of our homes —  our pets.

Every year, animals are left behind during emergencies, some roam the streets scared and hungry, while others face the storm alone after being abandoned.

Pets can’t protect themselves. They feel fear and confusion just like we do. That’s why they need us most during times like these.

In response to this, the Cebu City Government’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) reminds everyone to keep their pets safe in this weather. 

SITUATION IN BOGO AS OPONG WEAKENS

‘Opong’ displaces over 87,000 Bicol residents

Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) left thousands of families across six provinces of the Bicol Region affected and staying in evacuation centers.

Office of Civil Defense in Bicol (OCD-5) director Claudio Yucot, also chairperson of the Bicol Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, said the number of evacuated persons reached 24,579 families or 87,499 individuals.

Based on the report, 10,961 families or 38,521 individuals are staying in 621 evacuation centers in the six provinces, while 13,618 families or 48,978 individuals are staying with their relatives.

AREAS UNDER STORM SIGNALS IN CEBU

HEAVY RAINFALL WARNING DUE TO OPONG, HABAGAT

Opong weakens into storm, Signal No. 2 still up in some N. Cebu areas

As typhoon Opong weakens into a severe tropical storm, some towns and cities in northern Cebu continue to be placed under Signal No. 2 while Signal No. 1 remains raised in some northern, Metro Cebu and southern Cebu areas.

Areas under tropical storm signal No. 4 on raised on Thursday evening by the state weather bureau have also been downgraded to Signal No. 3 as Opong weakens.

This is according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in its 5 a.m. tropical cyclone bulletin.

SANTA FE, CEBU TOWN RESIDENTS EVACUATE DUE TO OPONG

Signal No. 4 up as ‘Opong’ intensifies into typhoon

Tropical cyclone Opong (international name Bualoi) has intensified into a typhoon as it approaches Eastern Visayas on Thursday night, September 25, and several areas in those parts of the country have been placed under tropical storm signal No. 4.

As of 10 p.m. of September 25, the center of Opong was tracked over the coastal waters of Dolores, Eastern Samar, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).

It has maximum sustained winds of 120 km. per hour (kph) near the center, gustiness of up to 165 kph. It is moving west northwest at 25 kph.

Mandaue City on high alert as Typhoon Opong nears C. Visayas

The Mandaue City Government is actively preparing for the possible effects of Typhoon Opong, which is currently affecting parts of Central Visayas, including northern Cebu.

As of Thursday morning, Sept. 25, local officials are on alert and coordinating with departments and agencies to ensure the safety of residents and minimize potential disruptions.

Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano shared that since early Thursday morning, he has been closely monitoring the situation. He also addressed a common question among students and parents in the city.

Cancelled classes, stranded passengers: Cebu braces for ‘Opong’

Cebu felt the impact of Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name: Bualoi) on Thursday, September 25, as heavy rains forced widespread class suspensions and the cancellation of sea voyages.

The state weather bureau placed parts of Cebu under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 as Opong moved closer to Eastern Visayas.

Areas under signal warning include Daanbantayan, Medellin, Bogo City, Tabogon, San Remigio, Borbon, Sogod, Tabuelan, Catmon, Tuburan, Carmen, Danao City, Asturias, Compostela, as well as Bantayan and Camotes Islands.

According to Pagasa (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), in Mactan, Cebu will continue to experience bad weather on Friday, September 26. Anticipating this, at least 22 localities announced the suspension of in-person classes for Friday, in public schools at all levels.

Opong strands 261 passengers in Central Visayas ports

Several passengers in various ports in Central Visayas were left stranded after dozens of seatrips were cancelled due to Tropical Storm Opong (international name: Bualoi).

As of Thursday, September 25, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) recorded a total of 261 stranded passengers in the region.

Around 250 seatrips, from motorbancas to rolling cargoes, were also cancelled. 

Likewise, authorities urged owners of small seacrafts not to venture out to sea for their own safety.

‘Opong’ intensifies, possible lahar flow from Mayon Volcano

Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) intensified, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 km. per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 135 kph, the weather bureau said Thursday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Opong was last tracked 440 km. east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Gale-force winds will prevail in areas under Signal No. 2: Catanduanes, the southern portion of Albay (Santo Domingo, Legazpi City, Camalig, Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, Daraga, Jovellar, Manito), Sorsogon, Northern Samar, the northern and central portions of Eastern Samar (Can-Avid, Maslog, San Policarpo, Taft, Dolores, Jipapad, Oras, Arteche, Sulat, San Julian), and the northern and central portions of Samar (San Jorge, San Sebastian, Villareal, Zumarraga, Matuguinao, Pinabacdao, Almagro, Calbayog City, Talalora, Jiabong, Pagsanghan, City of Catbalogan, Gandara, Motiong, Santo Niño, Tagapul-An, San Jose de Buan, Santa Margarita, Tarangnan, Calbiga, Daram, Paranas, Hinabangan)

No classes due to Opong

Opong: Signal No. 1 hoisted in parts of northern Cebu

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 was hoisted in various localities in northern Cebu Thursday morning, September 25, as Severe Tropical Storm Opong continues to intensify.

These are the towns of Daanbantayan, Medellin, Tabogon, San Remigio, Borbon, Sogod, Tabuelan, Catmon, Tuburan, Carmen, Asturias, Compostela, Camotes, and Bantayan Islands, and the cities of Bogo and Danao.

READ: LIST: Classes suspended in parts of northern Cebu

In an advisory released at 5 a.m. today, Pagasa also hoisted TCWS No. 2 in parts of Luzon, Northern and Eastern Samar areas.

Opong will still bring rains, strong winds to Cebu

Tropical Storm Opong may no longer hit northern Cebu, but it will still bring rains and strong wind in the entire island province.

On Wednesday, September 24, Opong intensified into a tropical storm as it makes its way towards the Philippine landmass.

Latest forecast from the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) shows that the eye of Opong was last located 855 kilometers (km) east of Northeastern Mindanao.

The state weather bureau’s most recent projections showed that the storm will no longer hit the northernmost tip of Cebu as it moves west-southwestward at a speed of 20 km per hour (kph).

But Pagasa in Mactan cautioned the public to still take precautionary measures as Opong will bring rains not only in the island province of Cebu but also in most parts of the Visayas.

Opong may hit northernmost tip of Cebu; heavy rains expected

Tropical depression Opong, the latest major weather disturbance to enter the Philippines, may directly affect parts of Visayas, including Cebu, the latest forecast from the state weather bureau showed.

Around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, Opong entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). It currently packs winds with speeds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center, and gustiness of up to 70 kph. 

Opong was last spotted 1,045 kilometers East of Northeastern Mindanao, according to the bulletin from Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa). It is moving at west, southwestward at a speed of 10kph. 

Recent forecast models from Pagasa also showed that there’s a possibility it will pass portions of Visayas, including the northernmost tip of Cebu.

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