Manila, Sept. 25 -- Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) intensified, packing maximum sustained winds of 110 km. per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 135 kph, the weather bureau said Thursday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Opong was last tracked 440 km. east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

Gale-force winds will prevail in areas under Signal No. 2: Catanduanes, the southern portion of Albay (Santo Domingo, Legazpi City, Camalig, Rapu-Rapu, Bacacay, Daraga, Jovellar, Manito), Sorsogon, Northern Samar, the northern and central portions of Eastern Samar (Can-Avid, Maslog, San Policarpo, Taft, Dolores, Jipapad, Oras, Arteche, Sulat, San Julian), and the northern a...