Tropical Depression Verbena maintained its strength Monday afternoon (Nov. 24, 2025) as it approached landfall over Surigao del Sur, prompting Pagasa to place Oriental and Occidental Mindoro under the lowest storm wind signal.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Verbena’s center was last spotted at 1 p.m. over the coastal waters of Bayabas, Surigao del Sur, packing sustained winds of 45 km/h and gusts up to 55 km/h.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1 — warning of strong winds 39-61 km/h within 36 hours — is now hoisted over Occidental Mindoro, Oriental Mindoro, Romblon and the northern half of Palawan, including Calamian, Cuyo and Cagayancillo islands, PAGASA said.

The storm is moving westward at 25 km/h and is expected to cross the Caraga region Monday afternoon before slicing through the Visayas and northern Palawan overnight into Tuesday.

Forecasters said Verbena could reach tropical-storm strength once it emerges over the West Philippine Sea.

Sea travel remains risky for small vessels along the western and southern coasts of Mindoro, where waves up to 2.5 meters (8 feet) are forecast, Pagasa added.