(CNN) -- Filipino authorities sought to calm panic unleashed among some residents after a hoax text message warned that radiation from Japan may affect the Philippines. Concerns persist about nuclear reactors in Japan in the wake of a magnitude-9.0 quake and subsequent tsunami that struck the nation Friday. But "there is no immediate danger of nuclear radiation in the Philippines," the nation's Department of Science and Technology said in a statement Monday. The text message, which appeared to be a news flash from the BBC, spread like wildfire on Monday. It said that the Japanese government had confirmed a radiation leak at nuclear plants in Fukushima Prefecture and that "Asian countries should take necessary precautions." It went on to warn that radiation may begin hitting the Philippines by Monday afternoon and instructed people to stay indoors and apply Betadine, an over-the-counter topical iodine-based antiseptic, on their neck area where their thyroid gland is located.
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Messages said radiation from Japanese plants may spread
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Recipients were warned to stay indoors, apply antiseptic to necks
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Authorities say there is no immediate radiation danger in the Philippines
"I am not quite certain that the Philippines is distantly safe from the radiation effects of the @placeholder power plant."