MANILA, Philippines – Those living in old buildings and structures near the West Valley Fault in Metro Manila have been advised anew on the dangers that may arise from a strong earthquake.

“Ang advice ng mayor, kung pu-pwede sa lalong madaling panahon ay i-abandon na nila ang mga structure na iyon dahil delikado talaga. Hindi pwedeng tumira ka sa ibabaw ng fault line,” said Ret. Gen. Elmo San Diego, chief of Quezon City Department of Public Order and Security (DPOS).

The 21-kilometer West Valley Fault passes through the town of Rodriguez, Rizal; Quezon City; Marikina; Pasig; Pateros; Taguig; Makati; and Muntinlupa.

Quezon City’s DPOS warned that old buildings near the fault line might collapse in the event of a 7.2-magnitude earthquake.

“Noong 2004, nagkaroon ng impact reduction study. Kung sakaling gumalaw ang West Valley Fault sa 7.2 magnitude na earthquake, about 30 percent na buildings sa Metro Manila magko-collapse. ‘Yung 30 percent na iyon, ‘yun ‘yung mga lumang buildings,” said San Diego.

These old buildings, including the Department of Agrarian Reform, University of the Philippines Diliman, and the Quezon City Hall, are being monitored by the Quezon City DPOS.

Construction of new buildings near the fault line has been prohibited.

The city government of Quezon City has also purchased new equipment such as a vibrascope camera to be used in the event of a calamity. -- Report from Gus Abelgas, ABS-CBN News