MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte on Friday urged those affected by the strong earthquake in Mindanao, and the general public to remain calm and follow earthquake drills and other safety protocols.
In a Facebook post, Duterte said she was alarmed by the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Saraggani Island, Davao Occidental in the afternoon, which also affected adjacent areas.
“Ako man ay nakaranas din ng malalakas na lindol noong ako ay alkalde ng Davao at meron itong dala na trauma. Kinakailangan natin maging kalmado, at unahin ang pagcheck ng ating mga bahay at gusali para paghanda sa aftershocks,” Duterte said.
(I myself experienced strong earthquakes when I was mayor of Davao, and it was traumatizing. We need to remain calm and check our houses and buildings so we can prepare for aftershocks.)
Duterte said she received a report from the Office of the Civil Defense. She will also meet with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
Duterte is the country’s caretaker while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is in the United States for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.
The Vice President said she has also met with Executive SecrertaryLucas Bersamin to review the response of the different government agencies.
“Sa mga kalamidad na katulad nito, lumalabas po ang kahalagahan ng ating mga earthquake drills at iba pang pagsasanay para sa kahandaan. Manatili po tayong kalmado, matatag at nagkakaisa,” said Duterte.
(In calamities like this, the importance of earthquake drills and other exercises emerges, Let us remain calm, strong and united.)
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