President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday directed all concerned government agencies to immediately mobilize assistance and response following a magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Maasim, Sarangani in Mindanao early in the morning.
In a statement, the President urged the residents in affected areas to take urgent precautionary measures.
“A strong earthquake has struck off the coast of Sarangani this morning, and a tsunami warning is now in effect across several coastal provinces in Mindanao,” Marcos said.
“I have directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately.”
Marcos said the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) are now coordinating response efforts and continuously monitoring affected areas.
He also instructed the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to pre-position relief goods and ensure that evacuation centers are ready and fully operational for displaced residents.
“The DSWD has been directed to pre-position relief goods and ensure that evacuation centers are ready and operational,” the President said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been placed on standby to assess possible damage to roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure, and to clear routes needed for rescue and relief operations.
Marcos also ordered the suspension of classes in all levels across affected areas in Mindanao until further notice, citing the safety of students.
“I am also ordering the suspension of classes in all levels across affected areas in Mindanao until further notice. The safety of our children comes first. The Department of Education will coordinate with local government units on this,” he said, referring to the Department of Education.
The President also appealed to residents in coastal communities to follow tsunami warnings and immediately move to higher ground.
“To our kababayans in the affected provinces, please heed the tsunami warning. Move to higher ground now. Do not wait. Your life is more important than anything left behind,” he said.
Marcos added that the national government is actively coordinating with regional offices and local chief executives, and assured the public that updates will be provided as the situation develops.
“The national government is moving and we will not leave Mindanao behind. I am in constant communication with our regional offices and local chief executives on the ground,” he said.
