Quake-hit Mindanao folk assured of prompt, effective response

 

MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has assured Mindanao residents affected by the magnitude 6.8 earthquake Friday afternoon Mindanao that the House is already coordinating with key agencies for prompt and effective response.

In a statement on Friday, Romualdez said that the House extends its support to the people of Mindanao, particularly those near the epicenter off Sarangani Island, Davao Occidental.

“The House of Representatives extends its unwavering support to the people of Mindanao following the severe magnitude 6.8 earthquake. We are keeping our kababayans in the impacted areas in our thoughts and prayers as they face this difficult situation,” Romualdez said.

“Prioritizing the safety and welfare of our citizens is essential. My office is actively coordinating with key agencies, including Phivolcs (Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology) and the NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council) to facilitate prompt and effective response actions,” he added.

Romualdez said the House will aid the national government in terms of mobilizing resourced that would be needed by affected residents.

“The House is committed to supporting the national government in mobilizing necessary resources for the relief and rehabilitation of the affected communities,” he said

“To our brothers and sisters in Mindanao, you are not facing this alone. Your resilience and strength are an inspiration to us, and we stand with you. Together, we will rebuild and come out of this stronger than ever,” he added. 

Netizens uploaded videos and photos on social media showing the huge extent of damage caused by the earthquake.  In Davao City, several buildings were damaged by the tremors.

No tsunami warning was raised but Phivolcs warned of possible aftershocks.