magnitude earthquake and a burst of volcanic ash struck a region south of the Philippine capital on Saturday in quick sucession, but government experts said the events were unrelated. A earthquake hit the Bicol region early Saturday, shaking people from their sleep but causing no serious damage. The quake, with an epicentre off the coat of Burias island, occurred at 12:41 A.M., the government seismology office said. Just hours later, Bulusan volcano ejected a column of ash about 600 metres into the air, which showered down onto several towns in Bicol. – Agence France
