ILOILO – Despite advances in science and technology, earthquake remains unpredictable.
So don’t believe information spreading on social media that a magnitude 7 or 8 earthquake would be hitting Metro Manila or elsewhere at a certain date or time, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).
Be discerning of the information received on social media or the internet, PDRRMO chief Jerry Bionat urged the public.
“For the information of everyone, wala pa sing instrument nga maka-predict sang linog,” he stressed.
Bionat also urged Ilonggos not to panic or share unverified information.
“Indi kita magpati-pati sina. Fake news ina,” he said.
The false information spread after a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck northwestern Philippines on April 22, killing at least 16 people. On April 23, a 6.4-magnitude quake hit the central island of Samar.
Trust only information from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvocs) and other allied agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said Bionat.
Facebook posts about the earthquake prediction used the NDRRMC initials and urged people to take shelter.
The posts stated: “NDRRMC Emergency Alert Warning! Expect a magnitude 8+ Super Earthquake in Metro Manila and nearby towns within the next hour. Seek safety and shelter immediately.”
But the NDRRMC said they did not issue any such alert in an official statement published on their website and their official Facebook account.
The statement read: “The OCD-NDRRMC learned that there were text messages regarding a looming 8.0-magnitude earthquake. We want to state that the said messages are a ‘hoax’ and there’s no truth to them. The advisories and warnings sent by NDRRMC use an account under the name ‘NDRRMC’ and not through any number.”
“We are encouraging the public to not send questionable text messages and to avoid liking, sharing or forwarding the said fake messages. Be that as it may, we are encouraging everyone to be on alert for any threat of disasters.”
“For accurate information, go to the NDRRMC website ndrrmc.gov.ph and OCD facebook page at Civil Defense PH”. #ThePreparedOnesaretheWinners #ResiliencePh.
OCD refers to the Office of Civil Defense. (With reports from AFP and ABS-CBN/PN)
