Lorenzana to oversee relief efforts, security in quake-hit Mindanao

A building damaged by a 6.5-magnitude earthquake is seen in Kidapawan town in the southern island of Mindanao on Oct. 31, 2019. A powerful quake struck in Mindanao on Oct. 31 sending people fleeing from homes, schools and malls. (Photo by Edwin Badilles / AFP)

NONTHABURI, Thailand— Malacañang on Saturday designated Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to lead relief efforts and ensure the security of residents in quake-hit areas in Mindanao.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea announced this in a statement issued on Saturday.

“The public is advised to coordinate directly with the DND and/or National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure the efficient conduct of relief efforts, including the distribution of relief goods and rescue operations,” he said.

The deaths caused by the powerful series of earthquakes that hit Mindanao starting on Oct. 29 had already climbed to 17, NDRRMC said.

NDRRMC said over 29,000 families have been affected by the tremors.

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