Quake-scare shakes Ilonggos
Text messages passed on yesterday warned the Ilonggo community of a supposed massive earthquake set to hit the Philippines last night.
If this report gets to see the light of day, then the messages were either a product of someone's perverted imagination, overly-enhanced concern, a misplaced prediction, a message from an alarmist, or a modern-day miracle.
Miracle because one of the versions passed around called for prayers and to pass on the request.
Version number one: "Please Check: From Ambassador Tita De Villa: Just Got this from a friend. Sending it out just in case. In fact, felt a tremor at around 5 this morning – received a forwarded message about a predicted 6.8 earthquake will hit Philippine plates tonite from the US Geological Society in Hawaii. Let's be alert and pray for miracle. Please share with others for stronger prayers."
Version number two (all capital letters): "US GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY PREDICTS A 6.8 MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE WILL HIT PHILIPPINE PLATES TONIGHT. PLEASE BE CALM & ALERT. THIS TEXT MESSAGE IS FROM HAWAII STATE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS OFFICE."
Version number three: "From Fr. Sequito" Recd a 4orwardd msg dat a 6.8 earthquake wil hit Phil.plates 2nite. Predicted by d US Geological Society n Hawaii. B alert & pray 4 miracle. Pls share 4 more prayrs. Tnx"
Except for the text messages, no reputable government agency or organization issued or confirmed similar earthquake advisory.