Marcos tasks gov't execs to ensure continuing relief efforts for quake victims

HONOLULU - President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Sunday (Philippines time) tasked Philippine government officials to ensure that the relief efforts for the victims of the powerful earthquake in Mindanao will not be hampered. 

While in Hawaii for a working visit, Marcos had a zoom meeting with Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro; Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa; Social Welfare Undersecretary Edu Punay; Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno and other government officials to ask for updates on the relief operations. 

Marcos continues to monitor the situation in earthquake-stricken areas, particularly in Sarangani Province. 

“You seem to have—be well in hand. Let’s just be vigilant. Let’s keep watching. We must pay attention to aftershocks because sometimes maraming nagiging casualty sa aftershock,” Marcos said. 

He also warned the officials about the spread of “fake news” regarding the possibility that a tsunami will hit the region.

“Actually, that’s a valid concern pagka lindol … if there is going to be any movement from the sea, it would have happened already kasi hindi naman malayo. Napakalapit ng epicenter,” Marcos said. 

“But anyway, about aftershocks, let’s just keep watching. Let’s keep waiting. Let’s not pull our people just yet until mag-subside ‘yan para makasiguro tayo na walang ma-injure o mamatay,” he added. 

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology earlier reported that a magnitude 6.8 quake hit Davao Occidental at around 4:14 p.m.

Intensity VIII was felt in Glan, Sarangani and General Santos City. The death toll has risen to eight.

The Office of Civil Defense Region 12 clarified there is no tsunami threat raised over General Santos City following the tremors. — BM, GMA Integrated News