Regions Briefs: Quake rocks Luzon provinces, Metro Manila

Quake rocks Luzon provinces, Metro Manila

SAN MARCELINO, ZAMBALES—No injuries or damage were reported in the 5.4-magnitude earthquake that jolted this province and other parts of Luzon at 10:27 p.m. on Thursday, officials here said. The epicenter of the quake, which was tectonic in origin, was located 12 kilometers northeast of this town, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). “Based on our monitoring, there were no reports of damages or casualties on Thursday night,” said Zambales Gov. Amor Deloso. Phivolcs said the quake, which was 88 km deep, could trigger aftershocks. The quake was also felt in parts of Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Cavite and Benguet. —ALLAN MACATUNO

Council orders probe of ‘tanim droga’ in Pampanga

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—The Pampanga peace and order council is looking into claims that local policemen had planted evidence on drug suspects caught in recent police operations in Mabalacat City and Bacolor town. Lawyer Ponciano dela Cruz, vice president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP), recommended the probe during the council’s session, which dwelled on the so-called “tanim droga” cases in Bacolor and Mabalacat City in April. The council’s investigation would be led by the IBP, the Public Attorney’s Office and the Pampanga prosecutor’s office. Gov. Lilia Pineda, the council chair, said a parallel investigation would help “clear the air of doubts” about these police operations. —TONETTE OREJAS

Human cross formed to mark PRC founding

LINGAYEN, PANGASINAN—A human cross, formed by 4,200 people from the local chapter of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), marked the agency’s 70th founding anniversary here. Volunteers wearing red shirts formed the cross by filling up an outline drawn on the open field of Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center on

May 22. The cross was 60 meters tall and 60 m wide. It was the first PRC human cross, said Florame Magalong, PRC Pangasinan chapter administrator. —GABRIEL CARDINOZA