FACT CHECK: No ‘twin typhoons’ in PH Area of Responsibility up until July 19

Claim: Two active low pressure areas (LPA) within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) have developed into typhoons. 

Rating: FALSE

Why we fact-checked this: The claim was posted on Friday, July 19, by the “Philippine Weather System/Pacific Storm Update” Facebook page, which has over 2.5 million followers. As of writing, the post has accumulated 4,800 reactions, 237 comments, and 3,400 shares.

The post reads: “Twin bagyo sa loob ng PAR! Lumakas at ganap nang mga bagyo o Tropical Depression ang dalawang aktibong LPA na binabantayan sa silangan at kanlurang bahagi ng bansa na nasa loob ng PAR, ayon sa Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).”

(Twin typhoons inside PAR! Two active LPAs monitored on the eastern and western parts of the country have strengthened and developed into a tropical depression, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.) 

The facts: The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reports no active tropical cyclones within the PAR, contrary to the claim.

According to its July 19 bulletin, the weather bureau is currently monitoring the LPA spotted 365 kilometers west of Tanauan City, Batangas, and another LPA spotted 865 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas.

In its 4 pm forecast, PAGASA weather specialist Ana Clauren-Jorda said the first LPA was moving away from the Philippine landmass and had no direct effect on the country. However, there was a high chance that it might develop into a tropical cyclone within the next 24 hours.

The second LPA also has a high chance of developing into a tropical cyclone, but satellite imagery shows that it is still far from the Philippine landmass, according to the weather bureau. 

Meanwhile, the southwest monsoon is bringing scattered rain showers across various parts of the country.

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False claims: Rappler has debunked claims circulating online about a supposed super typhoon “Lakas” that will ravage the eastern part of the country. Similar false weather claims have been debunked: 

• FACT CHECK: No super typhoon making landfall in PH up until January 8
• FACT CHECK: No super typhoon monitored in PH Area of Responsibility up until December 26
• FACT CHECK: No super typhoon Liwayway in PH area of responsibility up until December 19

In light of circulating false claims online, PAGASA reminded the public in a Facebook post to only obtain information on weather updates from their official channels.

For legitimate weather updates, visit PAGASA’s official website, X (formerly Twitter) page, and YouTube channel. Get updates too via Rappler’s Philippine weather page. – Jerry Yubal Jr./Rappler.com 

Jerry Yubal Jr. is a former Aries Rufo Journalism fellow of Rappler (2023-2024 cycle). This fact check was reviewed by a member of Rappler’s research team and a senior editor. Learn more about Rappler’s fact-checking mentorship program here.

Keep us aware of suspicious Facebook pages, groups, accounts, websites, articles, or photos in your network by contacting us at factcheck@rappler.com. Let us battle disinformation one Fact Check at a time.