Hoax text messages irk P-Noy

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – President Aquino was irked by hoax tsunami warnings yesterday, saying he did not like it that people were experiencing undue stress and anxiety because of tsunami and earthquake scares.

Aquino, who spent his 52nd birthday here visiting the earthquake victims in Negros Oriental, said he saw nature’s wrath as he inspected the areas hit by the magnitude 6.9 quake.

He asked officials to ensure that people would be fully aware that there would be aftershocks and they should not panic.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director Renato Solidum said over 1,200 aftershocks had been felt.

The President said rumors spread that a tsunami would come as well as an 8.5 magnitude earthquake, creating fear among the people in Guihulngan and other areas.

In a briefing with his Cabinet members at the airport here, the President said he personally saw how scared the people were in the areas they visited.

Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III said the President talked to the residents of Guihulngan and told them to stay calm and that no tsunami was coming.

Aquino also vowed the government would expedite action to address the various needs of earthquake victims in Negros Oriental, releasing an initial P10.3 million for the cash-for-work program to provide temporary livelihood and assuring that food and other supplies would continue to pour in.

He ordered officials to give him concrete results in two months as he stressed the government’s capability to fund the needed programs and projects for rehabilitation.

Some residents of Guihulngan, meanwhile, sang the President a “Happy Birthday” song while other officials said they were hoping he was here to celebrate a more joyous occasion and not attend to needs of calamity victims.

The President said he probably would not have any celebration after going back to Manila.

He said he asked for food to be prepared for his staff and the Presidential Security Group so they could eat while working.

“On my part I am just waiting, through the kindness of my Cabinet secretaries, they might treat me. But most probably not since they need a little rest because they have a lot of assignments,” Aquino said.