Couple pinned to death in GenSan after Davao Occidental earthquake

Authorities reported two casualties in General Santos City on Friday following the magnitude 6.8 earthquake, according to Jerwen Paglinawan's report on Super Radyo General Santos.

The San Isidro Police Station said the couple died after the concrete wall of a structure collapsed as a result of the tremor.

The report said the victims, Danny Ginong, 26, and Jane Ginong, 18, from Amadeo Compound panicked and ran at the height of the quake.

They were hit by a collapsed concrete wall as they were looking for a place to hide. 

A concerned citizen reported the incident to the police at past 5 p.m. on Friday.

In General Santos City, a video showed some mall-goers hiding under the tables of a restaurant while crying for help amid the 6.8 magnitude quake. The strong tremors caused portions of the mall ceiling to collapse. 

An individual also reportedly jumped off from the mall's second floor to the ground floor out of fear, GMA Regional TV One Mindanao’s Abbey Caballero reported on “24 Oras."  He sustained minor injuries.

In Matina, Davao City, a part of a crane broke and sent debris falling from a building under construction as a result of the earthquake.

According to Jaycel Villacorye on Super Radyo Davao, there were no reported injuries and casualties from the incident. 

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. 

Marcos is attending the APEC Leaders' Summit in the United States.

Vice President Sara Duterte called for calm among the public following the tremor.

"Nakababahala po ang malalakas na lindol na nangyari sa Mindanao kaninang 4:14 ng hapon. Ako man ay nakaranas din ng malalakas ng lindol noong ako ay alkalde ng Davao at meron itong dala na trauma," Duterte said in a statement on her Facebook page.

"Kinakailangan natin maging kalmado, at unahin ang pagcheck ng ating mga bahay at gusali para paghanda sa aftershocks," she added.

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) placed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center (NDRRMOC) under “blue alert” status following the magnitude 6.8 earthquake that jolted Sarangani, Davao Occidental on Friday. 

Blue status means half of the NDRRMC will be on standby to ensure enough manpower will be available in case of contingencies.

“Civil Defense officials at the national and regional level are closely monitoring the progress of the operations, coordinating with the local government unit disaster managers,” said OCD administrator Ariel Nepomuceno in a statement. —Sherylin Untalan/LDF, GMA Integrated News