Things could have been worse in some parts of Luzon if not for the mountains of the Sierra Madre after Severe Tropical Storm Pepito hit the country over the weekend, the state weather bureau PAGASA said.

State weather bureau PAGASA raised Signal No. 5 in Catanduanes as Super Typhoon Pepito (international name: Man-Yi) continues to intensify, with authorities warning of a “potentially catastrophic” impact on Bicol Region.

SUPER Typhoon Pepito is expected to weaken after its second landfall over Aurora or Quezon later today, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Sunday.

No. 1 was raised in several areas in Luzon as Pepito (international name: Man-Yi) weakened into a severe tropical storm over the West Philippine Sea late Monday morning. In its 11 a.m. bulletin, state weather bureau PAGASA said the following areas were under TCWS No.

Typhoon Pepito will continue to stir heavy rains in parts of Luzon as it moves away from the country on Monday, PAGASA said.