LOOK: Marcos in GenSan to inspect earthquake damage
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. arrived in General Santos City on Wednesday to personally assess the damage caused by the destructive magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.
Marcos first visited St. Elizabeth Hospital in General Santos City, with Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao and the hospital’s chief executive officer, Tony Veneracion.
READ: Marcos orders swift response after magnitude 7.8 Sarangani earthquake
He then proceeded to oversee the distribution of assistance under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situations program. Marcos’ final stops were the Romana C. Acharon Central Elementary School and the General Santos National High School.
The massive quake jolted at 7:37 a.m. on June 8, with an epicenter located approximately 32 kilometers southwest of Maasim town in Sarangani.
The number of reported deaths is at 45 as of June 10, with 487 reported injured, while 17 others remain missing.
READ: Marcos inspects new SFHS school buildings, says he’s not AI
Operations at the General Santos City International Airport remain limited to government, military, and humanitarian flights.
At a briefing on Tuesday, Palace press officer Claire Castro said Marcos ordered the prioritization of the welfare of patients in hospitals affected by the tremor.
The president also directed Energy Secretary Sharon Garin to ensure that hospitals and other health facilities would have a stable supply of electricity, Castro added. /das
HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.
In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.
Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.
The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.
