Manila, July 17 -- A low pressure area (LPA) over southeastern Mindanao has developed into a tropical depression but has a slim chance of entering the Philippine Area of Responsibility, the weather bureau said Friday.

As of 3 a.m., the tropical depression, located 2,965 km. east of southeastern Mindanao, is moving slowly northwestward with maximum sustained winds of 45 km. per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 55 kph.

Weather specialist Obet Badrina said the tropical depression has no direct effect on the country and is expected to weaken into an LPA and to eventually dissipate in the next few days.

The southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to bring isolated rain showers or thunderstorms over Batanes and Babuyan I...