Beijing: Northern Luzon Northern Luzon provinces are forecast to experience heavy rainfall caused by Tropical Depression (TD) Ester and the southwest monsoon or "habagat," the weather bureau said in an 11 a.m. advisory Friday. Affected areas are La Union, Pangasinan, Zambales, Batanes, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, Benguet, and Bataan.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has advised the public disaster risk reduction and management offices in these regions to take all necessary measures to protect life and property. TD Ester has maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 55 kph. It was last located 230 km north northwest of Itbayat, Batanes, moving northeastward at 15 kph.

PAGASA stated that Batanes will continue to experience strong winds, as Signal No. 1 is still hoisted in the province. Strong to gale-force gusts due to "habagat" are also expected across the Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Zambales, Tarlac, Bataan, Pampanga, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro.

Meanwhile, PAGASA indicated that Ester will continue moving northeastward on Friday and is likely to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Saturday.