'Pablo ' maintains strength as it moves over Palawan

MANILA, Philippines - Public storm signal no. 3 has been declared over northern Palawan including Calamian group of Islands as typhoon Pablo continues to pack maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometer per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph, the weather bureau said Wednesday.

"Typhoon 'Pablo' is expected to be at 440 km northwest of Puerto Princesa City by [Thursday] morning and by Friday morning it will be at 780 km west of Calapan, Oriental Mindoro, " Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

Areas under signal no. 2 include the rest of Palawan, Antique, Iloilo, Guimaras, Bohol, Siquijor, Southern Cebu, Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental. Meanwhile, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Island, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon, Aklan, Capiz and  the rest of Cebu are still under signal no. 1.

"Estimated rainfall amount is from 10 to 18 mm per hour (heavy - intense) within the 400 km diameter of the typhoon," PAGASA said.

Fishing boats and sea vessels were also told to stay away from seaboards of Southern Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.