Joomla! site syndication http://www.thephilippines.net 2008-07-24T09:13:39+01:00 http://www.thephilippines.net http://www.thephilippines.net/images/M_images/joomla_rss.png text/html 2008-06-01T05:21:25+01:00 http://www.thephilippines.net http://www.thephilippines.net/the-news/latest-news/earthquake-hits-philippines/ A 6.4 magnitude earthquake hit the Philippines on Sunday morning off the Batan Islands. There have been no reports of damage or casualties. text/html 2007-12-30T14:06:17+01:00 http://www.thephilippines.net http://www.thephilippines.net/the-news/latest-news/new-year-fire-cracker-warnings/ Filipinos love a party and letting off firecrackers to celebrate the new year is popular. Crackers are lit off to ward away evil spirits, but every year serious accidents occur. Police have launched a crackdown on powerful firecrackers that no longer conform to regulations, including two items called 'Bin Laden Bomb' and 'Goodbye Philippines' that are said to be as powerful as five hand grenades. According to the health department, more than 100 people have been injured in firecracker accidents and one by a stray bullet in the week ahead of New Year's Eve. Eight of the victims had their fingers amputated. Source (http://news.monstersandcritics.com/asiapacific/features/article_1383821.php/Philippines_struggles_to_rein_in_deadly_New_Year_revelry_available)