Palace assures aid to quake-hit Mindanao provinces

Malacañang on Saturday vowed to extend assistance to those affected by the magnitude-7.2 earthquake in Mindanao provinces.

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella in a statement also asked residents not to panic and be alert. 

"We ask our people, particularly residents of Sarangani, to stay calm and yet remain vigilant and alert," he said.

"Our disaster officials are now conducting rapid damage assessment and we assure those affected that immediate assistance will be provided. We will be giving updates as more information becomes available," he added.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the strong earthquake struck off Sarangani at 4:23 a.m.

The quake was tectonic in origin with a depth of focus of 57 kms.

PHIVOLCS also issued a Sea Level Disturbance advisory. But it was canceled at 6:54 a.m.

Earlier, Phivolcs warned that aftershocks were likely, and damage was expected from the quake.

The temblor was felt at Intensity V in:

• Davao Occidental
• General Santos City,
• Koronadal City,
• Santa Maria,
• Jose Abad Santos,
• Don Marcelino, and
• Balot Island
• South Cotabato
• Polomolok, and
• Tupi
• Sarangani province
• Alabel,
• Malapatan, and
• Glan
• Sultan Kudarat
• Palimbag

Intensity IV was felt in:

• Davao City,
• Cotabato City, and
• Zamboanga City.

Intensity III was felt in Cagayan De Oro City, and Intensity II in Kidapawan City. —LBG, GMA News