Manila, July 8 -- Super Typhoon Inday (international name Bavi) slightly intensified, packing maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 240 kph, the weather bureau said on Wednesday.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the cyclone was located 1,270 kms. east of Northern Luzon as of 10 a.m., moving west northwestward at 20 kph.

"It is still offshore or far from the landmass," PAGASA forecaster Chris Perez said in a press conference shortly before noon.

He, however, noted that Inday enhances the southwest monsoon or "habagat", which will cause heavy rains in Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani while it moves towards Northern Luzon....