Taong-grasa suicide halts MRT operations early Sunday

 The Metro Rail Transit (MRT) operations were disrupted during the early Sunday hours after a male taong-grasa (scavenger) was sideswept by one of its trains passing the Magallanes station (Makati), radio reports said.

The unidentified person reportedly died on the spot.

The MRT management revealed they weren't knowledgeable how the scavenger sneaked into the station’s premises. They admitted that no CCTV cameras were installed in Magallanes station.

Based on reports, the scavenger was seen lying on the railroad tracks, however, it was too late for the approaching train to see him.

Investigators believe the man could have committed suicide. 

The management said operations continue between North Avenue (QC) and Shaw Boulevard (Mandaluyong). The rest are put on stand-by.

Magnitude 5.7 quake shakes Mindanao

An earthquake measuring 5.7 on the Richter scale shook Mindanao Saturday night at a depth of 5 kms.

State volcanologists from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said, that they anticipate damage and aftershocks  from the quake which was recorded at 10:10 p.m., 12 kilometers northeast of Carmen, North Cotabato.

Intensity IV was felt in Matalam, North Cotabato. Intensity III was felt in Tacurong City, Marawi City; Kidapawan City; Cotabato City; Cagayan de Oro City; and Intensity II was felt Davao City; Valencia City; Polanco, Zamboanga del Norte, PHIVOLCS added.