DFA halts operation of some consular offices in Mindanao due to powerful quake

This photo shows Cor Jesu College’s damage from the powerful 6.6-magnitude quake that hit North Cotabato and consequently rocked other parts of Mindanao on Tuesday, October 29, 2019. INQUIRER/Rosauro Ryan

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has suspended the operation of some of its consular offices in the Mindanao region after a magnitude 6.6 earthquake shook North Cotabato on Tuesday morning, which also affected provinces nearby.

In an advisory released Tuesday afternoon, DFA said it suspended operations of its consular offices in Davao City, Cotabato City, Cagayan de Oro City, Tagum City, and General Santos City.

#DFAAdvisory on Consular Services at DFA Consular Offices in Mindanao on 29 October 2019 pic.twitter.com/4MRXHXGdPD

— DFA Philippines 🇵🇭 (@DFAPHL) October 29, 2019

DFA said applicants with confirmed appointments but would not be able to avail of consular services due to the work stoppage will be accommodated until November 29 during regular hours.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council earlier said at least five people were killed while 173 were injured following the powerful earthquake that struck central Mindanao.

READ: Two powerful quakes kill 6 in Mindanao

Twenty-three local government units have also suspended classes because of the disaster, NDRRMC added.

The quake struck 26 kilometers northeast of Tulunan, Cotabato at 9:04 a.m., the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said. /kga