TD Ester maintains strength; Signal No. 1 remains over Batanes

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical Depression Ester maintained its strength on Friday afternoon as the Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 1 remained hoisted over Batanes, the state weather bureau said.  In its 5 p.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said that Ester was last located 250 kilometers north of