NATION ROUNDUP

1 SURIGAO / 5.9 MAGNITUDE QUAKE HITS SURIGAO NORTE

A 5.9 magnitude earthquake rocked anew Surigao Del Norte, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) announced Sunday. According to the third Phivolcs bulletin, the earthquake happened at about 8.08 a.m. It was located 13 kilometers southwest of San Francisco (Anao-aon), Surigao del Norte. Different intensities were felt in the following areas: Intensity VI - Surigao City; Intensity IV - Limasawa and San Ricardo, Southern Leyte; Intensity III - San Juan and San Francisco, Southern Leyte; Intensity II - General Luna, Surigao del Norte. Phivolcs said that no damage was expected from the quake, but aftershocks are expected. Last February 10, a 6.7 magnitude earthquake had hit Surigao Del Norte. The province was placed under state of calamity after the earthquake left eight dead, more than 200 injured, and at least 300 houses damaged. / SUNSTAR PHILIPPINES

2 MANILA / ROMULO SWORN IN AS HEAD OF DBP BOARD

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III has administered the oath of office of former senator Alberto Romulo as the new chairman of the board of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP). Rogelio Garcia also took his oath before Dominguez as a director of the DBP board. “Romulo brings with him to the DBP his extensive experience in both the executive and legislative branches of government,” the Department of Finance (DOF) said. Romulo was DOF secretary during the Arroyo administration. / SUNSTAR PHILIPPINES

3 SULU / 4 ABU SAYYAF MEMBERS KILLED IN SULU

Four suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) were killed in an encounter with the government troops early Sunday in Talipao, Maimbung Sulu. Joint Task Force Sulu commander Colonel Cirilito Sobejana said the firefight between the elements of the 64th Marine Company and the Abu Sayyaf erupted around 4:30 a.m. after they received an information that members of the bandit group are present in the area. He said shortly after the heavy encounter, the Abu Sayyaf men fled to different directions. / SUNSTAR PHILIPPINES