Fake quake rumors trigger panic in Bohol

MARIBOJOC, BOHOL - Rumors that a magnitude 8 earthquake will hit Bohol and Cebu triggered panic among residents still reeling from last Tuesday's magnitude 7.2 earthquake in the Visayas. A report by ABS-CBN correspondent Reno Tallada said some residents of Tagbilaran City left their homes and sought higher ground last night after receiving text messages that a powerful earthquake would hit Bohol at 8 p.m. Sunday. Patients of a community hospital were also moved to a quadrangle due to the quake rumors. At least 15 patients volunteered to be discharged due to fear of the possible earthquake. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology denied the rumors, saying that no instrument can predict an earthquake. The agency, however, said aftershocks are common after a major quake. ANC HEADSTART, October 21, 2013