The Itbayat Church sustains damage after Batanes was hit by a 5.4 magnitude earthquake before dawn Saturday. (Photos by Dominic De Sagon Asa)
MANILA, Philippines — Batanes Bishop Danilo Ulep on Saturday asked for prayers after the twin quakes and aftershocks that hit the province, particularly the town of Itbayat.
Ulep said they are also monitoring the situation of the town’s residents as well as the status of the historic Sta. Maria de Mayan Church which was among the severely damaged structures in the town.
“We are trying to find a way including my priest how to get their [Itbayat] to monitor, hopefully the government and the military will be able to send some rescue mission in Itbayat kasi ang problema ang pagpunta doon right now,” Ulep told Radio Veritas.
The bishop said they have yet to receive reports on the scale of damage the church had suffered.
READ: LOOK: Historic church in Itbayat, Batanes, houses, damaged by magnitude 5.4 quake
Meanwhile, Ulep said he prays that God gives the affected residents strength, especially those who lost loved ones in the twin quakes.
A magnitude 5.4 hit Itbayat at 4:16 a.m. and was followed by a stronger magnitude 5.9 quake at 7:37 a.m.
The twin quakes have left eight dead and at least 60 injured as of posting time. /muf
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