Manila, Sept. 25 -- Severe Tropical Storm Opong (international name Bualoi) maintained its strength, and wind signals remain hoisted in many parts of the country, the weather bureau said on Thursday.

Opong packs maximum sustained winds of 110 km. per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 135 kph.

It was last tracked 335 km. east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar.

In its 11 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said Signal No. 2 is hoisted in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon, and the northern portion of Masbate (Aroroy, Baleno, City of Masbate, Mobo, Uson, Dimasalang, Palanas, Cataingan, Pio V. Corpuz) including Ticao, Burias Islands, North...