The Department of the Interior and Local Government suspended classes and government work in Metro Manila and several provinces in Luzon for Friday as ''Emong'' strengthens into a typhoon.

Classes and work in government agencies have been suspended since Monday after three storms have enhanced the southeast monsoon, which resulted in 19 deaths.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said the decision to suspend classes and work in government offices was prompted by the forecast track of ''Emong'' towards Northern Luzon.

“Ang lahat ng antas ng mag-aaral ay kasama, pati na ang TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) learners. Wala din pasok ang government offices,” Remulla said in a Facebook post.

He said government frontline workers remain on duty.

Apart from Metro Manila, other areas with class and work suspensions are Bataan, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Occidental Mindoro, Pangasinan, Zambales, Abra , Remulla said. DMS