Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (international name: Man-yi) gathered more strength and is now a typhoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical

Typhoon Ofel (international name: Usagi) weakened sharply on Friday after bearing down on the Philippines' northern towns, blowing away houses in its path as authorities brace for another cyclone that could hit the capital Manila over the weekend.

PAGASA said Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (Man-Yi) has intensified significantly and is approaching typhoon strength, while Typhoon Ofel (Usagi) has begun to weaken as it moves over Luzon Strait early Friday,

Meanwhile, PAGASA said Typhoon Ofel weakened into a severe tropical storm. “TROPICAL CYCLONE UPDATE for Severe Tropical Storm OFEL {USAGI} #OfelPH and Typhoon PEPITO {MAN-YI} #PepitoPH as of 10:00 AM today,