‘No Pinoy casualties in Chile earthquake’

Malacañang on Friday said there are no Filipino casualties from the 8.3 magnitude earthquake that jolted Chile last Wednesday (Thursday in the Philippines).

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte also said the Philippine government is ready to assist Filipinos in Chile.

There are an estimated 300 Filipinos residing in Chile. Reports revealed that the strong 8.3 magnitude temblor last Wednesday killed at least 12 people.

“So far, there has been no report of Filipino casualties due to the earthquake yesterday but we’ll keep an eye out for it until such time that we are sure that there are no injuries or casualties,” Valte said.

Based on the United States Geological Survey, the 8.3 magnitude earthquake struck Chile at 10:54 p.m. Wednesday, with its epicenter found 46 kilometers west of Illapel, Chile.

The said earthquake triggered strong aftershocks and tsunami warnings that prompted evacuations even in Japan.