Malacañang to Leyte quake victims: ‘We will rise again’

Malacañang on Friday promised assistance for the victims of the 6.5-magnitude earthquake that hit areas in Leyte Thursday afternoon.

READ: Panic, damage after deadly Leyte earthquake

“The administration is deploying all available resources to rescue survivors and to return normalcy to the place,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a Palace briefing.
A powerful 6.5 earthquake rattled Leyte province in Visayas at 4:03 p.m., which damaged several properties. Local officials said at least two people were dead and dozens more were injured after the quake.

Residents rescued from a collapsed building receive first aid assistance from rescuers after a 6.5-magnitude earthquake hit the town of Kananga, Leyte province, in central Philippines, on July 6, 2017. AFP PHOTO

READ: 2 dead in Leyte quake; Ormoc airport temporarily closed

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has recorded close to 300 aftershocks following the strong quake.
“Again, we stand with the people of Leyte. We condole with those who have lost their loved ones and we continue to stand with those who have loved ones who have been hurt,” Abella said.
“We continue to call on the resilient spirit of the Filipino to close ranks against the vicissitudes confronting our people,” he added. “No matter what, we will rise again and we will rise into our destined greatness.” JPV/rga