According to Phivolcs, a powerful magnitude 5.9 earthquake shook several parts of Luzon, which happened a few hours after the 2023 Bar Exam results were announced.
Around 4:23 p.m. when the earthquake shook the epicenter of Lubang, Occidental Mindoro.
Phivolcs recorded varying intensities in many parts of the Philippines:
Intensity V (strong)
- Lubang, Occidental Mindoro
- Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro
Intensity IV (moderately strong)
- City of Makati
- Quezon City
- City of Taguig
- City of Malolos, City of Meycauayan, Obando, at Plaridel, Bulacan
- Floridablanca, Pampanga
- San Jose, Batangas
- City of Tagaytay, Cavite
Intensity III (weak)
- City of Caloocan
- City of Pasig
- Cuenca at Talisay, Batangas
- City of Bacoor, at City of General Trias, Cavite
- Rodriguez, Rizal
- Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro
Intensity II (slightly felt)
- City of Marikina
- City of San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan
- Gabaldon, Nueva Ecija
- Lucban, Quezon
- San Mateo, Rizal
- Odiongan, Romblon
Intensity I (scarcely perceptible)
- City of San Fernando, Pampanga
- City of San Pedro, Laguna
- Mauban, Quezon
Despite the ground shaking, no damage is expected following the earthquake. However, the possibility of aftershocks or those that follow weaker earthquakes is high.
The government has not yet released any details on whether there is a threat of a tsunami caused by the earthquake.
Three trafficking victims posing as tourists rescued – BI
Bureau of Immigration (BI) agents at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA) has intercepted three Filipina workers posing as tourists bound for Vietnam.
BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco disclosed that the three victims, whose names are withheld for their protection, attempted to board a Royal Air flight to Hong Kong on December 2.
Tansingco disclosed that the intercepted victims initially presented themselves on primary inspection as tourists embarking on a four-day trip to Hong Kong.
They later admitted to concealing their onward ticket to Vietnam, where they were slated to undergo a hiring process for a company that was referred to them by an acquaintance.
The victims were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for assistance and further investigation.
Tansingco then expressed concern over the incident and emphasized the dangers associated with not adhering to the proper processes and documentation when seeking employment abroad.
“It is crucial for aspiring overseas workers to undergo the right processes, secure the appropriate documents, and be cautious of schemes that exploit their vulnerability,” he said. “Remain vigilant and always seek the help of authorized agencies, especially amid the influx of international passengers who will be vacationing during the holidays,” Tansingco added.
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