Duterte safe after Mindanao quake, orders immediate relief operations

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday ordered government agencies to extend “immediate relief” to residents of areas affected by the magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Tulunan, Cotabato and other parts of Mindanao, including Davao City.

READ: Powerful earthquake hammers Cotabato, other parts of Mindanao anew

Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go said President Duterte was at home in Davao City when the earthquake struck.

He sent photos to the media showing cracks in Duterte’s residence.

Photo courtesy of Sen. Bong Go

“The President is safe in his home in Davao and is closely monitoring the developments,” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

Photo courtesy of Sen. Bong Go

“The Government, through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense, is currently on top of the situation in light of the 6.5 and 7 magnitude earthquakes that hit areas in Mindanao this morning,” Panelo said in a statement.

On Tuesday, the epicenter of a magnitude 6.6 earthquake was also traced to Tulunan.  Two weeks earlier, the same town was jolted by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake.

Panelo said Duterte “might visit worst-hit areas.”

“The President considers all situations arising from natural disasters that have caused widespread destruction to lives and property a top concern,” Panelo added. /gsg