THOUGHTSKOTO

Sunday, April 30, 2017

SAUDI EMPLOYER ABANDONS FILIPINA WORKER IN CRITICAL CONDITION

An unknown migrant worker in a Saudi hospital. Some employers are known to leave their employees in the hospital to escape from hospital bills.

138 “runaway” overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Saudi Arabia have been allowed to go home upon the return of President Rodrigo R. Duterte from his state visit to the Middle East,

A Saudi national recently abandoned a gravely ill Filipino female employee at the gate of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh.

Saudi employer abandons Filipino woman in critical condition A Saudi Arabian recently abandoned a gravely ill Filipino female employee at the gate of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh. On April 9, Marciana “Shane” Belino, 36, from Castañeda, Nueva Viscaya, was first sheltered at Bahay Kalinga, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (Polo) in Riyadh told the Inquirer in an email. Then on April 11, she was taken to the King Saud Medical City, where she was transferred to the intensive care unit. “The SRA Saudi Manpower Recruitment Office is extending their assistance to OFW Belino,” Polo said. “The POLO & SRA will be facilitating the repatriation of the worker once she’s ready for discharged.” But the family of Belino expressed concern that the Philippine authorities might not be monitoring her case. According to her sister-in-law, Juvy Belino, another overseas Filipino worker went to the hospital to check on Belino and found out the she needed to undergo an operation. “The Polo and the agency are giving us conflicting information,” Juvy Belino told INQUIRER.net in a phone intervfiew. “They said that our sister is okay and stable, but we found out that she’s not.” She said SRA Saudi Manpower Recruitment only contacted them last April 19 and the Polo-Riyadh only on April 26. Another Filipino in Saudi Arabia told Juvy that the doctors needed her passport and Iqama (residence permit) so they could proceed with the treatment. As of this writing, Polo had not responded to the inquiry on Belino’s documents and other belongings, but the agency said it was coordinating with the employer. Juvy said that they appealed for Polo’s help so that at least one relative could visit their sister and take care of her. “We feel that the agency and Polo are not taking good care of her,” Juvy said. “According to our contacts at the hospital, they haven’t visited her since she was brought there.” “We asked if they could help at least one of us to go to Riyadh,” she added. “But they told us that it’s a lot of work and getting a visa may be hard.” In a follow up inquiry, INQUIRER.net learned from Polo-Riyadh that its personnel were doing their best for Belino. “The SRA coordinated with the employer already,” Polo said. “The employer will give exit visa, passport, ticket and other assistance once the patient will be stabled and ready for discharge.” But the family said that without the operation Belino could not be repatriated. The Belino family called on the Polo to act swiftly on Marciana’s case and also appealed to other Filipinos in Riyadh to help monitor her condition.

Photo credit: arielcustodioblogspot
On April 9, Marciana “Shane” Belino, 36, from Castañeda, Nueva Viscaya, was first sheltered at Bahay Kalinga, the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (Polo) in Riyadh told the Inquirer in an email. Then on April 11, she was taken to the King Saud Medical City, where she was transferred to the intensive care unit.

Photo credit: Manila Channel

OFW victims of abuses and labor violations abroad, they are inside the Bahay Kalinga. They used the social media hoping their voice will be heard.

“The SRA Saudi Manpower Recruitment Office is extending their assistance to OFW Belino,” Polo said. “The POLO & SRA will be facilitating the repatriation of the worker once she’s ready for discharge.”
But the family of Belino expressed concern that the Philippine authorities might not be monitoring her case.

Juvy Belino, her sister in-law who happens to be an OFW herself, found out that an unknown condition needs to undergo an operation.

“The Polo and the agency are giving us conflicting information,” Juvy Belino told INQUIRER.net in a phone intervfiew. “They said that our sister is okay and stable, but we found out that she’s not.”

She said SRA Saudi Manpower Recruitment only contacted them last April 19 and the Polo-Riyadh only on April 26.

Another Filipino in Saudi Arabia told Juvy that the doctors needed her passport and Iqama (residence permit) so they could proceed with the treatment.

As of this writing, Polo had not responded to the inquiry on Belino’s documents and other belongings, but the agency said it was coordinating with the employer.

Juvy said that they appealed for Polo’s help so that at least one relative could visit their sister and take care of her.

Photo credit: arabnews

Riyadh, Philippine Overseas Labor Office

“We feel that the agency and Polo are not taking good care of her,” Juvy said. “According to our contacts at the hospital, they haven’t visited her since she was brought there.”
“We asked if they could help at least one of us to go to Riyadh,” she added. “But they told us that it’s a lot of work and getting a visa may be hard.”
In a follow up inquiry, INQUIRER.net learned from Polo-Riyadh that its personnel were doing their best for Belino.
“The SRA coordinated with the employer already,” Polo said. “The employer will give exit visa, passport, ticket and other assistance once the patient will be stabled and ready for discharge.”
But the family said that without the operation Belino could not be repatriated.
The Belino family called on the Polo to act swiftly on Marciana’s case and also appealed to other Filipinos in Riyadh to help monitor her condition.

Source: Inquirer.Net

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President Duterte with King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia, on his three days visit with his cabinet members and the Saudi Counterpart officials. n a press briefing with Duterte’s media delegation at the Philippine Embassy Monday morning, April 10, Riyadh time, Arribas said the three agreements to be signed will be on foreign consultation, labor, and foreign service. Political consultations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Ministry of Foreign of Affairs and Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs, Labor cooperation for General Workers Recruitment and Employment, and Cooperation program between the Philippine Foreign Service Institute (FSI) and the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Saudi Labor Ministry will sign a social development basic agreement that seeks for the protection of Filipino workers already in the Kingdom and for those seeking employment. Arribas added that the labor agreement to be signed will further improve the previous agreement on the deployment of household workers between the Philippines and KSA. Lastly, Arribas also said that the signing of the memorandum of understanding for cooperation between respective foreign institutes and diplomatic academies will enable the two countries to operate on foreign service institute. PEBA Inc. was one of the attendees when Filcom leaders met President Duterte on April 12, 2017. There are about 1.2 million OFWs in Saudi Arabia. The place where President Duterte visited first with his cabinet members. Duterte's visit earned so much positive reaction with the fact that it garnered about $469.43M worth of Philippine project. These projects can generate 15,950 jobs to Filpinos

PRES. DUTERTE AND THE SAUDI KING SALMAN SIGNED 3 AGREEMENTS

Meet and greet with President , Riyadh KSA.

Eastern Province To Have a Consulate in Three Months- Duterte

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Saturday, April 29, 2017

BREAKING NEWS: 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake Rocks Mindanao

BREAKING NEWS! 7.2 EARTHQUAKE ROCKS MINDANAO

A strong magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked Davao Occidental Saturday morning. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake struck at 4:23 a.m. in the municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

It was tectonic in origin with a depth of 57 kilometers.

7.2 magnitude eartquake rocks Mindanao.BREAKING NEWS! 7.2 EARTHQUAKE ROCKS MINDANAO A strong magnitude 7.2 earthquake rocked Davao Occidental Saturday morning. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, the earthquake struck at 4:23 a.m. in the municipality of Sarangani, Davao Occidental. It was tectonic in origin with a depth of 57 kilometers. Intensity 5 was felt in: General Santos City; Koronadal City; Santa Maria, Jose Abad Santos, Don Marcelino, Balot Island, Davao Occidental; Polomolok, Tupi, South Cotabato; Alabel, Malapatan, Glan, Sarangani; and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat. Intensity 4 was felt in: Davao City, Cotabato City and Zamboanga City. Intensity 3 was felt in: Cagayan de Oro City Intensity 2 was felt in: Kidapawan City. RECOMMENDED: PHIVOLCS continues to warn everyone about the possibility of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that could affect Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Pampanga and others as the result of the West Valley Fault Movement dubbed as "the Big One". They said that if the people will not be prepared, it could affect 48,000 lives in one hit. There has always been a debate if oarfishes can really predict earthquakes before it even happens. But whether it is a coincidence or they have a supernatural power or ability to foresee or feel the coming earthquake, the bottom line is that every needs to be cautious and ready should any emergency or anything of that sort happens. There was also sightings of the mysterious oarfish before the recent earthquakes that happened in Mindanao, particularly in Surigao City that destroyed their airport just earlier this year. Dr. Rachel Grant , a researcher in animal biology who study the possibility of detecting earthquakes using animal behavior said that the 'myth' about the oarfish being able to sense the forthcoming earthquake could be possible. However, another scientist by the name of Catherine Dukes said: "The question is, can we detect it in the environment?" And can animals detect a sudden rise in atmospheric ozone? None of these hypotheses, however, is ready to be developed into an animal-based, early-warning system for earth tremors." Recent Sightings On April 17, a huge oarfish was seen Purok Kiblis in Barangay Lomuyon, Saranggani Province at around 4:30 a.m. but later died and washed ashore. Later that day a 4.1 magnitude earthquake, tectonic in origin with a depth of 222 kilometers shook the province with the epicenter recorded at 299 kilometers east of Sarangani. It was just an hour after a magnitude 4.4 with a depth of only 5 kilometers was felt in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte at 7:28am according to the earthquake bulletin from PAG-ASA . Roughly 3 hours after the oarfish sighting in Sarangani, an earthquake followed. PHIVOLCS continues to warn everyone about the possibility of a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that could affect Metro Manila and nearby provinces such as Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Pampanga and others as the result of the West Valley Fault Movement dubbed as "the Big One". They said that if the people will not be prepared, it could affect 48,000 lives in one hit. According to PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum, this estimate is made to make people aware that the problem is really big and many people could be injured or worse, die, if we are not prepared. He stressed out that the structural integrity of the buildings and houses in these areas could determine the extent of the effect should such 7.2 magnitude earthquake happened. He said that it is time that we make sure that we should carefully consider to consult building professionals when planning to build a domicile that is earthquake proof making its residence safe. Solidum also reiterated the importance of having an earthquake drill. Determining what to do and where will be the safest place the family should go. Every family should also prepare a "go bag" or a backpack containing important documents, food, medicine, and other survival items that could last for at least 72 hours. The "Big One" is not a joke. Everyone should be prepared. Though we pray that it would never happen, readiness must be strictly considered to make or family and ourselves safe. RECOMMENDED: Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS According to PHIVOLCS Director Renato Solidum Jr, this estimate is made to make people aware that the problem is really big and many people could be injured or worse, die, if we fail to be prepared. He stressed out that the structural integrity of the buildings and houses in these areas could determine the extent of the effect should such 7.2 magnitude earthquake happened. He said that it is time that we make sure that we should carefully consider to consult building professionals when planning in building a domicile that is earthquake proof making its residence safe. Solidum also reiterated the importance of having an earthquake drill. Determining what to do and where will be the safest place the family should go during earthquakes. Every family should also prepare a "go bag" or a backpack containing important documents, food, medicine, and other survival items that could last for at least 72 hours. The "Big One" is not a joke. Everyone should be prepared. Though we pray that it would never happen, readiness must be strictly considered to make our family and ourselves safe. Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Earthquake drill or "shake drill" will be conducted in different parts of the country and that includes even the barangays to ensure the readiness and preparedness of every citizen should a huge earthquake such as the so called "the big one" would occur. This has been confirmed by MMDA Acting Chairman Tim Orbos and said to be taking place on July – the third drill being conducted on a large scale following a similar one last year. According to Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) Director Renato Solidum, earthquake drills should be done not only in Metro Manila but needed to be expanded in other areas such as Laguna , Bulacan , and Cavite. MMDA's Orbos and PHIVOLC's Solidum presided a meeting earlier this month with the Metro Manila Disaster Response Cluster with regards to the series of earthquakes that occurred in several areas in the past weeks. Solidum urged people to refrain from being affected by rumors that circulate especially on social media, as these simply spread wrong information. Solidum said that people should not be afraid of the successive quakes as these occurrences are normal. He also urged the people not to be affected by baseless rumors that are spreading on social media. Solidum also said that since it was too far away from the West Valley Fault, the tremors had nothing to do with it. Orbos said that barangays would be included in the next earthquake drill, reiterating the importance of local governments in emergency situations like this. Orbos also urged people to prepare their own GO-bag. A Go-bag is an important package containing necessities such as easy-to-open canned food, flashlights, and other survival kits. Preparing a 72-hour survival kit will save the lives of your family and yourself. Aside from being ready when such disaster happens, it is also critical that the houses are made to endure such tremors. if not, a house or a building could collapse leaving many people injured, trapped or worse, dead. The Department of Public Works and Highways should release guidelines on design or blueprints of quake-resilient houses for those that can't afford to hire the services of structural engineers. RECOMMENDED: 2 EARTHQUAKES IN A MATTER OF MINUTES HIT DIFFERENT PARTS OF LUZON ON APRIL 8 EARTHQUAKE TIPS Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. Metro Manila residents and nearby provinces should prepare for the “Big One,” the West Valley Fault is now ripe for movement and it can generate a 7.2 magnitude earthquake. ©2017 THOUGHTS

Intensity 5 was felt in:
General Santos City;
Koronadal City;
Santa Maria,
Jose Abad Santos,
Don Marcelino,
Balot Island,
Davao Occidental;
Polomolok,
Tupi,
South Cotabato;
Alabel,
Malapatan,
Glan,
Sarangani;
and Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.

Intensity 4 was felt in:
Davao City,
Cotabato City
and Zamboanga City.

Intensity 3 was felt in:
Cagayan de Oro City

Intensity 2 was felt in:
Kidapawan City.