PAGASA: 'Bagyong Onyok' intensifies, threatens Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - State weather bureau PAGASA announced today, December 16, 2015 that tropical depression 'Onyok' has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) Wednesday afternoon and has slightly intensified as it moves in a westward direction.

PAGASA says that 'Bagyong Onyok' at East of Mindanao has entered PAR (7.4°N , 135.0°E) at 1:45pm.

At 10:00 PM today, the center of Tropical Depression Onyok was estimated based on all available data at 775 km East of Mati City, Davao Oriental (7.5°N, 133.2°E). It has maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and forecast to move West at 19 kph.

PAGASA warned that Onyok is likely to crash into the Davao-Caraga region by Friday.

Meanwhile, 'Bagyong Nona' (international name Melor) has weakened into severe tropical storm and continues its slow movement over the West Philippine Sea. At 4:00 PM today, the center of 'Nona' was estimated based on all available data including Tagaytay and Subic Doppler Radars at 70 km Southwest of SBMA, Olongapo City, Zambales (14.4°N, 119.8°E).

Weather central assured that the two weather disturbances will not affect each other as they do not have the same strength.

'Bagyong Onyok' Forecast Positions:

• 24 hour (Tomorrow evening): 450 km East Northeast of Davao City.
• 48 hour (Friday evening): Vicinity of Surigao del Sur.
• 72 hour (Saturday evening): 105 km South of Puerto Princesa City.
• 96 hour (Sunday evening):Outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)

No public storm warning signal has been issued as of 11pm bulletin of the weather bureau.

Onyok is the 15th typhoon to hit the country this 2015. On average, there are around 19 to 21 typhoons in the country every year.

Pinay maid now weighs 29kg after employers allegedly starved her for 15 months

A 40-year Filipina domestic worker lost 20kg whilst working for a Singaporean couple who allegedly gave her instant noodles twice a day for more than a year.

Thelma Oyasan Gawidan weighed just 29kg when she managed to runaway from her employers living in Orchard Road condominium in April 2014. After enduring 15 months of hardship under the hands of Lim Choo Hong and wife Chong Sui Foon, Gawidan was finally able to escape and seek the help of HOME, a non-profit organization assisting migrant workers.

Gawidan after surviving the ordeal. PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/OFW Online Diary

Lim Choo Hong, 47, is accused of violating Condition 1 in Part 1 of the Fourth Schedule to the Employment of Foreign Manpower (Work Passes) Regulations 2012. On the other hand, Chong Sui Foon faces a count of condoning Lim to commit the crime.

The monster employers accused of starving the Pinay maid. PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/OFW Online Diary

According to Gawidan, she was only given instant noodles to consume twice a day for more than a year. She was given bread on some occasions. Even when she was out with the family,Gawidan would still eat instant noodles and bread packed by the couple.

An investigator in charge of the case told the court that Gawidan was only allowed to take showers once or twice a week in the condominium’s public toilet.

"When I am still hungry, I will ask for more ... sometimes she will give me more, but the next meal I will get less,” Gawidan told the court.

It was also revealed the couple forced Gawidan to work for more than 24 hours. Gawidan recalled how her former employers made her work from Monday 7pm until Wednesday without rest.

A month after starting to work for the couple, Gawidan stopped getting her period. In addition, the Pinay OFW experienced hair loss and felt weak in general as a result of the maltreatment.

Lim and Chong will serve up to 12 months in jail and/or pay a fine of up to $10,000 if proven guilty. - Mini/TheSummitExpress