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As I was preparing to write this column yesterday morning, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental, at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers, according to Al Jazeera. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) immediately issued a tsunami warning, urging residents in coastal areas to evacuate to higher ground or move farther inland.

These days, videos of people’s horrifying experiences of quakes are posted on social media shortly after the incident. I saw people screaming and praying, in moments of seeming helplessness, while the person holding the camera kept recording. Indeed for many of us, earthquakes feel like the scariest of disasters.

A volcanic eruption shows warning signs, giving authorities time to raise alerts. Typhoons are tracked days ahead, so people can prepare. We can often escape fires with timely detection and clear exits. But earthquakes are different; they strike without warning. You can run to open areas, which are considered safer than buildings during a strong one. But the thing you trust most –the ground– is moving, leaving you feeling defenseless.

In Cebu, where the shaking was also felt yesterday, I saw on social media people standing outside buildings, waiting for clearance to go back in. The experience here may have felt especially unsettling, as we had just gone through a magnitude 6.9 earthquake last week, with northern Cebu hardest hit.

With that, I’d like to share this beautiful prayer posted on the GMA Public Affairs social media page two years ago: ‘O God, who set the earth on its firm foundation, spare those who are fearful and show favor to those who implore You, so that, with all dangers of earthquake entirely gone, we may continue to experience Your mercy and serve You in thankfulness, safe under Your protection. Amen.’

The tremors we have been experiencing over the past few weeks are a stark reminder that our archipelago sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire. Earthquakes occur regularly in the country, an average of about 30 ground-shaking ones daily, according to PHIVOLCS. Of these, only a fraction are strong enough for people to notice, and even fewer make the news for causing damage or posing a real threat. But still, one felt tremor is one too many.

A 2016 study by Pailoplee and Boonchaluay, published in the Geosciences Journal, identified six locations along the Manila Trench and nearby subduction zones as having a high chance of generating a major earthquake within our lifetime. These areas are close to large cities such as Taipei, Manila, Davao, and Manado in Indonesia.

In the Davao and eastern Indonesia area (including Manado), where several fault zones meet, quakes as strong as magnitude 6.8 to 7.1 could occur every five to 10 years. Meanwhile, Palawan and the Sulu Archipelago are considered ‘quiet zones’ with little to no recorded earthquake activity, according to the study.

It’s one thing to know where the next big one might hit; it’s another to know whether we’re ready when it does. A study in 2019 (Villano, et al.) found that we are moderately resilient overall but underprepared before disasters hit. Although the study focused on flood and landslide impacts, its resilience framework (coping vs. adaptive capacities) applies across hazards.

Data suggest that our biggest gap lies before a disaster strikes –that is, in strengthening homes and infrastructure, improving risk education, and securing resources– rather than after, when relief and social support often arrive. In other words, we are a resilient people, but much of that resilience comes only after disasters hit. We recover quickly through community spirit and the support of government, foreign aid, and relief groups, but we are still not well-prepared beforehand.

Another study notes that while the Philippines has one of the most comprehensive disaster laws in the region, the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 (DRRM Law), implementation remains uneven at the local level (Alcayna, et al., 2016). Many local disaster councils exist mostly on paper, often understaffed and lacking technical training.

On the positive side, according to the study, Filipino community networks and bayanihan remain powerful social safety nets, helping families cope and recover faster. Yet, experts caution that such support often fades during long-term recovery, and those outside extended family networks, such as the poorest or displaced, may be left out.

The local stock market ended the week in the red territory, with the latest rate cut of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) failing to lift investor sentiment.

The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) declined by 0.32 percent or 19.61 points to cap off yesterday’s session at 6,037.79.

The broader All Shares index likewise slipped by 0.23 percent or 8.57 points to settle at 3,658.44.

AP Securities said that the Philippine market again ended lower after a lackluster day of trading, ‘as investors digest the BSP’s dovish tone and its implications on the outlook for the Philippine economy.’

‘The PSEi continued its decline despite the recent rate cut from the BSP. The depreciation of the peso against the dollar likely dampened investor sentiment and contributed to the cautious outlook of market participants, leading to subdued trading activity overall,’ Luis Limlingan of Regina Capital said.

The BSP’s Monetary Board made an unexpected 25-basis-point cut to its benchmark interest rate on Thursday, pointing to soft domestic demand and governance issues surrounding public infrastructure spending.

All sectors were in the negative territory, except for industrial, which improved by 0.26 percent.

Mining and oil took the biggest hit, plunging by 2.92 percent.

Total value turnover stood at P6.37 billion, slightly lower from the previous day’s P6.51 billion.

Market breadth was negative as decliners crushed advancers, 97 to 79, while 65 issues did not change hands.

Ayala Corp. was the top traded stock, shedding 2.89 percent to P471 per share, followed by BDO Unibank which fell by 1.17 percent to P134.80 and ICTSI which was flat at P526.

State seismologists have recorded 824 aftershocks within 24 hours after two strong earthquakes jolted Davao Oriental on Friday, October 10.

PHIVOLCS Director Teresito Bacolcol said the aftershocks were from the twin quakes off the province – a magnitude 7.4 offshore tremor in the morning followed by a 6.8 quake in the early evening – both originated along the Philippine Trench.

‘As of 10 a.m., we recorded in Davao 824 aftershocks,’ Bacolcol said on dzMM on Saturday, October 11. He noted that the count excludes the 6.8-magnitude event, which is classified as another major earthquake.

The strongest aftershock so far measured magnitude 5.8, while six registered magnitudes above 5, one of which caused Intensity 4 ground shaking in nearby areas.

Bacolcol said the series of tremors were all concentrated in the same region.

‘Nasa isang lugar lang sila, hindi na natin ma-distinguish which is which,’ he said, referring to the difficulty of separating aftershocks linked to each of the two main quakes. (They were just in one area, so we’re unable to distinguish which quake caused which aftershocks.”)

Aftershocks, he said, can persist on a diminishing frequency for 10 days.

Movement. Bacolcol also explained that the ground shaking episodes were caused by a reverse fault movement on the trench, in which the hanging wall moves upward in a thrusting motion.

Most of the recent tremors, showed vertical or thrust-type movements, Bacolcol added. This is typical of quakes along subduction zones like the Philippine Trench. Horizontal or sideways motion, he said, is rare in such settings.

Fewer than Cebu’s. The Phivolcs chief described the number of aftershocks as lower compared to those logged after the September 30 Bogo City earthquake, where 1,853 aftershocks were recorded in the first 24 hours following the main event.

At least 72 people were killed in Cebu areas in late September, while at least 7 died during the Davao doublet earthquake on October 10.

They’ve crossed paths at the business end of tournaments more than once, and if current form is any indication, Keanu Jahns and Rupert Zaragosa could once again find themselves battling for supremacy – this time on the tight, demanding fairways of Del Monte Golf Club.

The P3.5-million ICTSI Del Monte Championship gets going Tuesday, October 14, ushering in a high-stakes three-tournament stretch to cap the Philippine Golf Tour season. But while the stakes are shared, the paths to the top are anything but similar for Jahns and Zaragosa, two of the tour’s most consistent forces this year.

Jahns, known for his versatility and power, thrives on courses that allow him to unleash his long game, yet he’s shown an impressive ability to adapt when precision is required.

His consecutive wins at Caliraya Springs and the Bacolod Challenge highlighted his all-around game and strategic acumen. On more open layouts, his confidence off the tee gives him a significant edge – especially when his iron play follows suit.

Zaragosa, on the other hand, is the embodiment of precision and discipline. He halted Jahns’ win streak at Negros Occidental with a masterclass in consistency and course management – attributes that align perfectly with the Del Monte layout, which punishes aggression and rewards patient, calculated play.

While Jahns brings the firepower, Zaragosa counters with finesse. Their rivalry is shaping into one of the tour’s most compelling narratives, especially with ranking points, prize money and post-season berths on the line.

The Del Monte course isn’t built for heroics – it demands restraint, shot planning and pinpoint execution. Though there are holes where power offers a slight advantage, it’s ball control, placement and mental resilience that ultimately separate contenders from the rest.

That sets the stage for a field-wide battle, where not just Jahns and Zaragosa, but veterans and rising stars alike – Tony Lascuña, Jhonnel Ababa, Ira Alido, Zanieboy Gialon and Ryan Monsalve and Russell Bautista – will need to elevate their games. Mistakes will be magnified, and every misjudged approach or missed fairway could spell the difference between contention and obscurity.

Others tipped tip to contend are Guido van der Valk, Michael Bibat, Nilo Salahog, Fidel Concepcion, Dino Villanueva, John Michael Uy, and foreign bidders Collin Wheeler, Kim Tae Soo,Jisung Cheon and Kim Tae Won.

Beyond the trophy and the lion’s share of the P3.5 million purse, the Del Monte event serves as a crucial launchpad into the Mindanao swing – two more lucrative events at Apo and South Pacific – that could define the season for Order of Merit hopefuls and TCC Invitational aspirants.

The top 30 players at the end of the 10-leg circuit will qualify for the season-capping Match Play Championship in November and the prestigious TCC Invitational early next year.

With that on the line, every round, every hole and every shot at Del Monte carries weight.

Will it be Jahns’ bold ball-striking or Zaragosa’s surgical accuracy that prevails?

Either way, another dramatic chapter could be written in their growing rivalry – and the chase for tour supremacy.

Today, we remember Our Lady of the Rosary’s last of six apparitions between May 13 to October 13, 1917 in Fatima before Lucia, 10, her cousin Francisco, 9; and his sister Jacinta, 7.

About 70,000 who witnessed that October 13 Fatima apparition were reported to have seen ‘the sun make three circles, move around the sky in an incredible zigzag movement which left no doubt in their minds about the veracity of the apparitions. By 1930, the Bishop had approved of the apparitions, which were also later approved by the Church as authentic.’

Mama Mary’s central message during her apparitions: ‘make reparation for sins, pray and offer sacrifices to God for peace for the world and that the trials may be averted.’

Yesterday, another powerful earthquake (with 7.4-7.6 reported magnitude) hit Manay, Davao, Oriental, triggering a tsunami alert for Eastern Samar/Southern Leyte/Leyte/Dinagat Islands/Surigao Del Norte/Surigao Del Sur/Davao Oriental.

Let us all continue to pray for everyone’s protection and safety. May all the world’s people as well be spared from destructive earthquakes/typhoons/other calamities from here on.

A number of Filipinos have shared that these natural calamities seem to be divinely sent to expose even more the various infrastructure projects marred by widespread/deep/shameless human corruption and greed resulting in deaths/harm/injury/loss of property/public funds.

Unfinished, non-existing ghost and overpriced projects, not only those for flood control but for building farm to market roads, school and other public buildings –are there government projects of any kind exempt from corruption and greed?

Aside from the DPWH, what other government and private agencies and businesses should be investigated for corruption and plunder? How many public officials can be cleared of corruption and abuse of public funds and power?

The corrupt are legion and omnipresent –all throughout the Philippines, from top management to bottom, to the grassroots.

The victims much more, however –the poor/marginalized, children, women, elderly, people with disabilities most adversely affected, deprived of basic needs and services.

Corruption and calamities go together, with calamities more destructive the more projects and funds are/were corrupted!

It is not only nature now bursting at the seams to get back at the abusive. People are furious, public wrath building each day corruption is revealed/exposed!

September 11 was a preview of emergent people power. Will public wrath burst and erupt even more by November 30 or earlier?

The corrupt/abusive in government, elsewhere need to be SOONEST punished/convicted/imprisoned and required to pay back their stolen billions through the years. Congress should never again be allowed to tamper, allot public funds for personal, selfish agenda.

YES to more funds for social services/education/health/welfare. YES to prioritized and more age-gender-disability-sensitive-DRRM supplies/facilities available for all barangays, towns and cities, especially those inaccessible and distant from the center NOW!

YES to providing tents, emergency communication devices, generators, water, medical, food, electric supply/more, and ready personnel to restore these basic facilities within the shortest time possible.

Our present calamities point to what should have been provided/allocated for by politicians during emergencies, even, most especially, during normal periods.

Our people need (have long needed for decades/centuries back) secured food/water/jobs/housing/medical/health/education/power/more basic welfare services!

Restore the stolen public funds back to our people NOW!

Our people need for their taxes to be immediately used/returned to/for them, not abused by a few privileged corrupt!

YES, why not a TAX HOLIDAY NOW for a month/more –no monthly tax deductions for all Filipino workers, also suspended excise and value-added taxes, especially for food and health needs?

Will those in power now move quickly, genuinely hear the public outrage/cries for justice of the Filipino people? Or will the present powerful ignore the people’s voices, delay/wait instead for power to be forcefully exercised once again by angry Filipinos?

Nature isn’t letting up. After Typhoon Opong, a quake in Cebu followed. Now, as we are trying to monitor where Typhoon Quedan is heading to, a quake in Davao Oriental struck. Though most of us are probably immune by now to typhoons because of their frequency and predictability, in tremors we aren’t.

Yes, the unpredictability of the occurrences of earthquakes and the uncertainty as to how many and how strong aftershocks shall be is so traumatic to a certain extent. For one, just as we thought that yesterday’s tremor was one of the thousands of aftershocks from the activity of the Bogo Bay Fault, we were shocked by the news that it was another one at magnitude 7.6 off the coast of Manay, Davao Oriental. Now, as we felt both tremors in Metro Cebu, will this mean that the number of aftershocks will certainly double in the next couple of days or weeks? Honestly, we do not know. Certainly though, the incoming monsoon rains and tropical depressions will compound the inconveniences and discomforts that we now currently endure.

Needless to say, some of our miseries should have been avoided had our contractors built our roads and bridges in accordance with the programs of work. As these are all substandard, some roads are not anymore passable and a number of bridges are entirely unusable. In fact, despite these calamities, we could have still freely leave our abode on time for work than wait for water to subside had the flood control and drainage projects been done religiously. Or, we could have eased the pain of some of our brethren (who are using tents as temporary shelter) had contractors consciously built LGUs’ gymnasiums as prescribed.

Indeed, all these morbid (the untimely deaths from collapsing gymnasiums) realities and discomforts are enough to persistently demand for accountability. The question now is, are those who are to do that will be able to do so in a country where the aura of impunity pervades?

So, what is impunity then? It is that perception of ‘freedom from punishment for any wrongdoing, or where there is a strong feeling from a perpetrator (whether individual or entity) that there will be no consequences, whatsoever, for such actions.’ Simply put, getting away with murder is one of them.

Not long ago, that aura prevalently obtained. Undeniably, there were a lot of casualties in the war on drugs. But where are the culprits? Most of them got off scot-free. The same was true with the so called ‘Pharmally case’ at the height of the pandemic.

To recall, an inadequately capitalized Pharmally Pharmaceutical Corp. was involved in the alleged importation and sell of overpriced medical supplies to the government to contain the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic. Well, the Senate’s Blue Ribbon Committee conducted an investigation and dug deeper into the core of it and uncovered several issues. These include, among others, the supply of face shields that were allegedly of substandard quality. Worse, as the transaction was in billions, the other question was, how were they able to close such deal with a meager paid-up capital.

Well, as the investigation went on and was moving into the direction of Michael Yang, then Pres. Duterte’s economic adviser, cabinet officials were barred from participating in the hearings. Thus, the case was never pursued and was left to froze. Clearly, therefore, impunity obtains when, first and foremost, our law enforcement and judicial system won’t work diligently as mandated. Secondly, when the ‘ako ang bahala sa iyo’ mantra prevails, the perpetrators will become bolder.

Without a doubt, accountability is the real antidote to impunity. Today though, we have a glimmer of hope as the investigations of the anomalous infrastructure projects go on. Yes, at the very least, that aura of impunity is slowly diminishing. Yes, too slow for comfort as remnants of the previous regime remains and are trying to detour any investigation that will lead to those they swore to protect.

Yet, it is incumbent upon us to add fuel to the fire. Well, not in a bad or precarious way. What we must do is never give the culprits and their cohorts the opportunity to simmer down that boiling desire of those clamoring for change. Those who are fighting impunity with the hope of achieving accountability.

Like nature, there must be no letting up.