Indonesian Wildfire Smoke Blankets Metro Manila; Multiple Cities Hit 'Acutely Unhealthy' Air

Haze from Kalimantan's peatland fires drifted across the South China Sea to blanket Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, the Bicol Region, and Cebu on Sept. 1-2 — the first time this haze season the smoke reached the Philippines. Eleven Metro Manila cities recorded 'acutely unhealthy' PM2.5 levels, led by Parañaque at 296, Quezon City (Ateneo) at 241, Las Piñas at 237, and Manila at 231; Cebu registered a lower but still 'unhealthy' AQI of 152. Quezon City suspended face-to-face classes. DENR-EMB chief Jundy del Socorro said the haze was 'largely beyond our control' since its source lies outside the Philippines, while UP-Diliman atmospheric scientist Gerry Bagtasa said strong winds, not local emissions, were driving the smoke inland. Health officials urged N95 masks outdoors and said conditions could persist through Sept. 3 before rain and shifting winds bring possible relief Sept. 4-6.