The state weather bureau is closely monitoring a potential weather disturbance that may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) ahead of the holiday season.
According to the agency, the system has a “low to moderate” chance of developing into a tropical cyclone.
If the system strengthens, it could impact the eastern portions of Mindanao, Visayas, and Southern Luzon.
Should it enter the country and develop into a storm, it will be named Querobin, marking the 17th storm to affect the Philippines this year.
Initial forecasts suggest that the potential storm may enter the PAR between December 16 and December 22, depending on its strength and movement.
The last major weather system to hit the Philippines was Supertyphoon Pepito, one of the strongest storms of the year, with gusts reaching up to 256 kph.