MANILA — In response to the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Sarangani, Davao Occidental, President Marcos Jr. has directed relevant government agencies to expedite assistance to the affected individuals, announced Malacañang on Friday.

Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil conveyed the President’s directive, stating, “The President has instructed every pertinent government agency to take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of those impacted.”

The seismic event occurred at a depth of 72 kilometers, approximately 34 kilometers northwest of Sarangani Island, at 4:14 p.m., as reported in an updated advisory by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). While Phivolcs initially registered the quake at magnitude 7.2, subsequent adjustments were made.

President Marcos, currently in San Francisco, California for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit, reassured the public through a post, mentioning the activation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council’s (NDRRMC) emergency preparedness and response protocols. He highlighted the close coordination between Civil Defense Regional Offices and local government units (LGUs) for real-time updates.

Addressing the nation, Marcos stated, “In these challenging times, my commitment to your safety and recovery is unwavering, and I have instructed every relevant government agency to fully contribute to ongoing efforts.”

Secretary Rex Gatchalian of the Department of Social Welfare and Development promptly directed field offices in Mindanao to be on high alert for assisting severely affected LGUs.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) elevated the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) alert status to “Blue,” facilitating close coordination and reporting of incidents. Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno affirmed, “Civil Defense officials at the national and regional level are closely monitoring the progress of the operations.”

As of the latest reports, the earthquake has resulted in a power outage in General Santos City and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, along with a damaged school and houses in Sarangani, Davao Occidental. Validation is ongoing for the reported fatality in Barangay Butuan, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental.

The NDRRMC issued an Emergency Alert and Warning Message (EAWM) to provinces in the affected region, advising communities in Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato to take precautionary measures.

(ai/mnm)