IN BRIEF

Tectonic quakes jolt Batanes, Masbate

TECTONIC earthquakes with magnitudes 5.6 and 5 jolted Batanes and Masbate, respectively, on Thursday night.

In Batanes, the quake’s epicenter was traced 33 km. Northeast of Itbayat.

In a bulletin issued at 11:14 p.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said the magnitude 5.6 quake was 15 km. deep and occurred at 9:48 p.m.

Intensity III was felt in Itbayat; Intensity II in Basco and Mahatao, Batanes; and Intensity I in Ivana, Batanes.

No damage is expected but aftershocks are possible, Phivolcs said. Meanwhile, the magnitude 5 quake was recorded at 11:26 p.m. Its epicenter was traced 10 km. northwest of Uson, and had a depth of 14 km.

2 Pinoy fishermen rescued in Batanes

TWO distressed Filipino fishermen from Batanes were rescued by the Taiwanese coast guard after getting lost in the high seas of Kaohsiung due to their boat’s engine failure amid inclement weather on May 23.

Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairperson Silvestre Bello III said the crew of fishing vessel Man Sheng FA No. 6 saw the Filipinos distressed at sea, prompting them to report the incident to the Taiwan coast guard.

The fishermen, identified as Gerald Alarcado and Jenevis Alarcado, were rescued on May 24 after the Taiwan coast guard set up a perimeter around their boat until they were rescued, according to a news release.

Bello said the two are now housed at a shelter in Kaohsiung and would get repatriated to the Philippines after debriefing and processing of documentary requirements.

“We are truly grateful to all the officers and men of Taiwan who helped in their rescue,” Bello said.

Taiwan is a self-governing island claimed by China.

Agents intercept 2

Pinays bound for UAE

BUREAU of Immigration (BI) officers intercepted two Filipino women believed to be victims of human trafficking and held their alleged recruiter at the Clark International Airport (CIA).

BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the three passengers initially claimed to be tourists bound for Hong Kong, flying out via Cebu Pacific Airlines.

The two victims claimed to be working as nannies for their traveling companion “Pauline,” 60, who was with two minor children.

Names of the victims and suspect have been withheld in compliance with antitrafficking laws.

When interviewed separately, it was found that they were bound to the United Arab Emirates to work as household service workers, and were offered a salary of 1,600 Dirhams.

Both victims said that they stumbled upon the recruitment via Facebook, and were instructed to travel with “Pauline” and her children and pretend they were her employees. Vito Barcelo business model is similar to various local studios and production companies, but the content we will produce are not for free-TV broadcasts,” he added.

“PCMC is just one of its distribution channels. It is an independent organization,” Manalo further clarified.

“ABS-CBN will not be involved in Prime’s or PCMC’s operations. The Parties will create a joint venture company,” he said.

Prime Media recognizes the power of radio to connect people, raise awareness, and influence positive social change due to its wide reach, affordability, and accessibility, Manalo said.

“The partnership with ABS-CBN is, without a doubt, a great business opportunity. More importantly, it is an ideal example of corporate social responsibility; meant to address information gaps and provide public service,” the statement read.

“For the shareholders of Prime, the transaction will enhance their shares’ value through the revenue stream expected to be generated from its equity investment in the joint venture,” it added. ABS-CBN Corp. said Tuesday it signed a joint venture agreement with Prime Media Holdings Inc. to produce various content and programs.