Strong earthquake kills 5, injures dozens in northern Philippines
PBS NewsHourDec 27, 2022
The Facts
On Wed., a 7-magnitude earthquake shook the northern Philippines island of Luzon, killing at least five people in four different provinces and injuring dozens more.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) identified the epicenter of the earthquake as 11km (6 miles) east-southeast of the town of Dolores and occurred at a depth of 10km (6 miles). Witnesses said the violent shaking lasted 30 sec. or more. [The USGS also downgraded the magnitude to 7.0]
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
Though multiple destructive earthquakes and seismic events remain in the minds of the Filipinos, the country sadly still has a way to go. Important changes to building codes were never fully implemented, which is painfully apparent during these destructive events.
Pro-establishment narrative
Pres. Marcos Jr. is ready and prepared to lead the people of the Philippines through this disaster. Just hours after a massive earthquake he has already proposed a Disaster Resilience Bill, building on a long and successful tradition of disaster management in the country. Marcos Jr. recognizes that the Philippines is not immune to these incidents and is committed to furthering disaster initiatives.
