MANILA, Philippines – Malacañang assured the public on Tuesday that the government is on top of the situation after a magnitude 6.6 earthquake pounded Tulunan, Cotabato.
“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 Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.
READ: Magnitude 6.6 earthquake jolts North Cotabato
“All responsible government agencies and local government units are currently undertaking rapid damage assessment and needs analysis of affected areas and communities in order to properly assess the situation and coordinate rescue and relief operations,” he added.
“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 said.
He urged the public to monitor developments through the alerts and bulletins of official government agencies.
The earthquake struck 13 days after a powerful 6.3 magnitude quake rocked the same town, killing six people and leaving dozens more injured. /gsg