The local government of Bolinao, Pangasinan is constantly monitoring the offshore earthquakes on the Manila Trench and implementing preparation measures.
Bolinao Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) Research and Planning Section staff April Grace Caluya Pagud said the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology recorded 17 quakes between 7:35 a.m. and 10:35 p.m. on Wednesday, with epicenters offshore of Bolinao.
The earthquakes' magnitudes ranged from 2.6 to 4.2, she said.
She said the local government, through the MDRRMO, holds quake drills in communities.
"Aside from the quarterly earthquake drills, we also conduct regular earthquake and tsunami drills, making sure to cover all communities," she said.
Bolinao is a coastal town with communities in lowland, highland, and island areas.
Pagud noted that the town has a tsunami warning device and they plan to procure more. "We asked the residents to also monitor, be observant, and be alert," she said.
The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office is closely monitoring these earthquakes.
The agency assured that coordination is ongoing with concerned local government units and national agencies to ensure public safety.
No damage or injuries were reported and people were advised to remain alert and follow official advisories from Phivolcs and Pangasinan PDRRMO for accurate updates and safety instructions. (with PNA)