Typhoon 'Mangkhut' gained strength as it neared the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). It was expected to enter the country at 2 p.m. Wednesday, the weather bureau said.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather forecaster Chris Perez said that as of 3 a.m., 'Mangkhut' which will be named 'Ompong' once it enters the country, was last observed 1,390 kilometers east of southern Luzon.