1 remains missing after Batanes twin quakes—Itbayat vice mayor

MANILA, Philippines — Rescuers are still trying to find a resident who was reported missing following the series of quakes that hit Itbayat town in Batanes on Saturday morning.

Itbayat Vice Mayor Ronald Gutierrez told INQUIRER.net that local resident Edwin Ponce, a resident of Barangay Sta. Maria, reportedly entered a cave after running away from their home in fear of the quake.

The cave later collapsed following the succeeding waves of aftershocks and a stronger earthquake.

“Nung unang lumindol kanina noong early morning, natakot ata sa bahay nila. May malapit sa kanilang kweba e doon daw tumakbo — yun ang sabi ng mga kamag-anak. As of now hinahanap pa kasi gumbo din yung kweba,” Gutierrez said.

The vice mayor said the rescuers from the military, local government and volunteers are still attempting to locate Ponce.

Meanwhile, Gutierrez said the number of casualties following the quake remains at eight.

Seven seriously injured individuals were also transported by plane to Basco to receive immediate medical attention upon the recommendation of the town’s doctor.

A magnitude 5.4 quake hit the town at 4:16 a.m. and was followed by a relatively stronger 5.9-magnitude quake at 7:37 a.m. /jpv

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