By I. Inojales | 09:10 AM February 95, 2026
MANILA — Tropical Storm Basyang (international name: Penha) continued to accelerate as it moved closer to Eastern Mindanao on Thursday morning, prompting Pagasa to raise Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals over large parts of Mindanao, the Visayas, and portions of Luzon.
As of 7 a.m., Basyang was located 385 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 km/h and gusts of up to 80 km/h, and moving west-southwest at 20 km/h.
TCWS No. 2 was raised over parts of Mindanao, including Surigao provinces, Agusan provinces, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and nearby areas, while TCWS No. 1 now covers Bohol, Cebu, Negros provinces, Siquijor, Leyte, Samar, and other surrounding areas.
Pagasa said Basyang may make landfall over Surigao del Sur between Thursday night and early Friday, cross Mindanao, and possibly pass near or over Siquijor and southern Negros Oriental before moving toward the Sulu Sea.
The storm may intensify further before landfall.
Authorities advised the public and local disaster officials to remain alert and take precautionary measures against strong winds and heavy rainfall.
