Marcos orders quick response to Davao Occidental, Sarangani earthquake victims

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. directed related government offices to immediately respond and ensure the safety of residents affected by the strong quake that hit Davao Occidental on Friday, according to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

“The President has instructed every relevant government agency to promptly take action to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected,” said PCO Secretary Cheloy Garafil.

President Marcos, who is attending the APEC Summit in the US, posted the same on social media late Thursday evening.

"Following the 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Davao Occidental at 4:14 PM, I assure you that the government is actively responding to ensure the safety of our citizens," he said.

He added that the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has been activated while Civil Defense Regional Offices are "coordinating closely with local units to provide real-time updates.

"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," he said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported that a magnitude 6.8 tectonic earthquake struck Sarangani, Davao Occidental at around 4:14 p.m.

The epicenter was located 05.48°N, 125.16°E - 034 km N 88° W of Sarangani Island (Davao Occidental) at a depth of 72 km.

PHIVOLCS initially put the earthquake's magnitude at 7.2.

PHIVOLCS reported the intensities in the following areas:

Intensity VI - Kiamba, Sarangani; Polomolok, South Cotabato; City of General Santos

Intensity V - Pantukan, Davao de Oro; City of Tagum, Davao Del Norte; Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; Alabel, Maasim, and Malungon, Sarangani; Banga, Lake Sebu, Tampakan, and Tupi, South Cotabato; City of Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat 

Intensity IV - City of Zamboanga; Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; City of Davao; Banisilan, Kabacan, and City of Kidapawan, Cotabato; Malapatan, Sarangani; City of Koronadal, Norala, and Santo Niño, South Cotabato; Bagumbayan, Kalamansig, Lebak, Lutayan, President Quirino, and Senator Ninoy Aquino, Sultan Kudarat; City of Bislig, and Hinatuan, Surigal del Sur; Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao; City of Cotabato

Intensity III - Kalilangan, Bukidnon; Laak, and Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; Aleosan, Antipas, M'lang, Magpet, and Pigkawayan, Cotabato; City of Isabela, Basilan; Jolo, Sulu

Intensity II - Don Carlos, and San Fernando, Bukidnon; Maco, and New Bataan, Davao de Oro; Carmen, Cotabato

Intensity I - Cabanglasan, Dangcagan, Libona, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Maramag, Talakag, and City of Valencia, Bukidnon; Mambajao, Camiguin; Balingasag, and Villanueva, Misamis Oriental 

The instrumental intensities were felt in the following areas:

Intensity V - Matanao, Davao del Sur; Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; Maasim, and Malapatan, Sarangani; Banga, Lake Sebu, Polomolok, and Tampakan, South Cotabato 

Intensity IV - Magsaysay, Davao del Sur; Davao City; Don Marcelino, Davao Occidental; City of Kidapawan, Cotabato; Kiamba, Sarangani; Norala, and Tantangan, South Cotabato; Bagumbayan, Columbio, Esperanza, Isulan, Kalamansig, Lebak, and President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat 

Intensity III - City of Zamboanga; Nabunturan, Davao de Oro; M'lang, Cotabato; Lambayong, Sultan Kudarat

Intensity II - Molave, Zamboanga del Sur; City of Malaybalay, Bukidnon; Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte; Balingasag, and Initao, Misamis Oriental; City of Cagayan de Oro, Carmen, and Pikit, Cotabato

Intensity I - San Lorenzo, Guimaras; City of Talisay, Cebu; City of Dapitan, Liloy, and Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte; Talakag, Bukidnon; Tubod, Lanao del Norte; Alamada, Cotabato; City of Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; City of Bislig, Surigao del Sur

PHIVOLCS said aftershocks and damage should be expected. It added there is no tsunami threat due to the earthquake.—LDF/BAP, GMA Integrated News