President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered all government agencies to provide 24/7 assistance to victims of the recent earthquakes that struck Davao Oriental and nearby areas.
Acting Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Dave Gomez said on Saturday, October 11, that the President’s foremost concern is ensuring the safety and welfare of all individuals affected by the quakes.
“The President’s paramount concern is the safety and well-being of our people in the earthquake-struck areas,” Gomez said.
Following this directive, President Marcos instructed all concerned frontline agencies to carry out continuous rescue and relief operations in the affected provinces.
“On the instructions of the President, all concerned frontline agencies were tasked to work round the clock to provide rescue and relief operations,” Gomez added.
Among the agencies ordered to conduct evacuation and emergency response efforts are the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Two strong earthquakes hit the town of Manay, Davao Oriental — a magnitude 7.4 tremor on Friday morning, October 10, followed by a magnitude 6.8 quake later that evening.
According to the NDRRMC’s 6:00AM situational report, seven casualties have been recorded so far in Davao Oriental and nearby municipalities.