A PAGASA bulletin showed that "Paeng" was spotted at 290 kilometers east of Virac, Catanduanes or at 510 kilometers east southeast of Casiguran, Aurora and was moving west-northwest toward Central Luzon.
Public storm warning signal No. 2 is raised in Catanduanes, while signal No. 1 is up in the Camarines provinces, Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Quezon, Polillo Island, Aurora, Quirino, Isabela, Northern Samar and Southern Cagayan.
According to Nathaniel Cruz, PAGASA weather branch chief, although "Paeng" is expected to move toward Central Luzon, it would also impact on the Bicol region and Samar because of its "wide circulation."
Cruz added that "Paeng" would likely cause travel problems for those who want to commemorate All Saints’ Day in the provinces, particularly in the affected areas.
Sea travel through small roll-on, roll-off ships will definitely be canceled.
The Philippine Coast Guard, in a one-page travel advisory, warned that vessels with 2,000 gross tonnage and below should not sail once the public storm warning signal goes up to number two.
Meanwhile, Nilo said the storm could also bring a large volume of rainwater in the watershed of Pantabangan Dam that may trigger the opening of its floodgates for the first time since it was constructed 20 years ago.
He added that residents living in communities near the dam should observe precautionary measures.
Malacañang directed local government units (LGUs) and barangays yesterday to take necessary steps to minimize possible damage to properties.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita issued a directive "based on the Typhoon ‘Milenyo’ experience," which left significant damage to public and private properties.
"The government is requesting LGUs and barangays to clear the streets of debris and objects that may be blown away and prune tree branches weakened by the last storm and other obstructions that can fall on cables," he said.
The LGUs were also ordered to guard fallen power lines, transformers and posts from thieves as the theft of cables had delayed the restoration of power in many areas after "Milenyo" hit the country last month.
Ermita issued the directive as soon as "Paeng" entered the Philippine area of responsibility. — Sheila Crisostomo, Evelyn Macairan and Paolo Romero