DAILY STAR: Negros Oriental

MANILA -- Rescuers dig with picks and shovels trying to reach dozens of people trapped under houses collapsed by a strong earthquake yesterday that shook Negros Oriental and set off landslides.

Scores were killed and 40 are believed missing, most of them along the shore near the epicenter of the 6.8-magnitude quake that struck in a narrow strait just off Negros Island.

In the mountain village of Planas, 9 miles (15 kilometers) from coastal Guihulngan town in Negros Oriental province, as many as 30 houses were buried with at least 40 residents believed trapped, Gov. Roel Degamo said.

Canadian docs
set mission

The Canada Medical Mission will perform cataract and ptyregium operations at the La Libertad municipal hall, Negros Oriental, starting today until Friday.

Board Member Dr. Leland Estacion said, the activity is through the efforts of Rep. Jocelyn Limkaichong (Neg. Or., 1st District) and La Libertad Mayor Lawrence Limkaichong.

Estacion said the medical mission will provide free ptyregium and cataract operations, also with free haircut and massage, among others from the Philippines Army.

Fast-track financial aid,
PSWD asked

Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo yesterday ordered the provincial social welfare and development office to fast track the release of financial assistance to victims of tropical storm Sendong that hit the province in December of last year.

Degamo directed PSWD officer Alice Lagarde to release the amount intended for the victims in two weeks.

Victims numbering 1,404 whose houses were destroyed will receive P5,000 each in cash, and 3,298 victims with damaged houses will receive P2,500 each or a total of 4,702 victims.

Email: visayandailystar@yahoo.com