MANILA - Tropical depression "Ramil" has slightly intensified and is now in the vicinity of Coron, Palawan as it continues to move westward, state weather bureau PAGASA said Wednesday afternoon.

In its 5 p.m. advisory, PAGASA said Ramil was last spotted 25 kms south of Coron, Palawan and is packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 75 kph.

The tropical depression is forecast to move westward at a speed of 18 kph.

Tropical cyclone warning signal no. 1 remains hoisted over Northern Palawan including the Calamian Group of Islands, and Southern Occidental Mindoro.

PAGASA also warned areas under the warning signal as well as Central Luzon, Cagayan Valley Region and the northern portion of Quezon including Polillo Island to be on alert against possible flash floods and landslides.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon may experience light to moderate with possible occasional heavy rains during thunderstorms.

The state weather bureau added that sea travel remains risky in areas under the cyclone warning signal, as well as the northern and eastern seaboards of Luzon due to Ramil and the northeast monsoon.

PAGASA said the tropical depression is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility Thursday night or early Friday.