Manila, Feb. 5 -- Tropical Storm Basyang (international name Penha) has been accelerating, moving at 25 kph westward, the weather bureau said in its 11 a.m. bulletin on Thursday.

Basyang was last tracked 295 km. east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur, packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kph near the center, and gustiness of up to 80 kph.

This prompted the Philippine Airlines to cancel eight flights to and from Siargao due to Basyang's proximity: 2P 2351-2352, 2P 2382-2383 Cebu-Siargao-Cebu, 2P 2875-2375 Clark-Siargao-Cebu, and 2P 2973-2974 Manila-Siargao-Manila.

Meanwhile, more areas have been placed under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 2, where gale-force winds will prevail:

Visayas:

Siquijor, the southeastern portion of Negro...