Following the powerful earthquake that jolted parts of Mindanao, Malacañang has appealed to the public to stay calm and vigilant as the government mobilized rescue and relief operations in affected communities.
“The National Government, through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense, is closely monitoring the situation in Mindanao following the strong earthquake that happened this morning,” Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo said.
“We ask our citizens to remain calm but vigilant and we urge them to refrain from spreading disinformation that may cause undue alarm, panic and stress to many people,” he added.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has recorded the epicenter of the earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 in Tulunan, North Cotabato at 9:04 a.m. The powerful tremor was felt in several nearby areas. Aftershocks are reportedly expected.
According to Panelo, government agencies and local government units started to conduct rapid damage assessment and needs analysis of affected areas and communities.
He said they intend “to properly assess the situation and coordinate rescue and relief operations.”
He also urged the public to monitor developments through the alerts and bulletins of official government channels. (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
