The Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA) has activated its Ham Emergency
Radio Operators in emergency communications using a frequency of 7.095 MHz.

It did so almost immediately on receiving news that a 7.2 Magnitude earthquake
occurred in the Bohol Province causing numerous casualties and damage. Pictures
from the scene show damaged buildings, blocked roads and a looks of bewilderment
on many faces.

Roberto Jose C. Vicencio DU1VHY said all radio amateurs are asked to keep
the frequency clear. The assessment of damage and other relief work is continuing.

Various reports put the death toll up to 20 and many injured when the earthquake
struck near a key tourist area. It was followed by two aftershocks, each
measuring more than 5.0 in magnitude.

(Jim Linton VK3PC, Chairman IARU Region 3 Disaster Communications Committee