Pepito (Man-Yi) reached typhoon strength following “rapid intensification,” while Ofel (Usagi) weakened into a severe tropical storm on Friday morning, PAGASA reported.

Typhoon Ofel (international name: Usagi) weakened sharply on Friday after bearing down on the Philippines' northern towns, blowing away houses in its path as authorities brace for another cyclone that could hit the capital Manila over the weekend.

Severe Tropical Storm Pepito intensified into a typhoon on Friday morning ahead of its expected landfall, according to state weather bureau PAGASA.Meanwhile, PAGASA said Typhoon Ofel weakened into a severe tropical storm.

PAGASA said Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (Man-Yi) has intensified significantly and is approaching typhoon strength, while Typhoon Ofel (Usagi) has begun to weaken as it moves over Luzon Strait early Friday,

Severe Tropical Storm Pepito (international name: Man-yi) gathered more strength and is now a typhoon, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).