President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered the immediate and full mobilization of all concerned government agencies following the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m. on Friday.
The President has directed prompt action in response to the earthquake and the subsequent Tsunami Warning issued by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) for coastal provinces in Mindanao and the Visayas, including Davao Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Southern Leyte, and Eastern Samar.
In a statement released on his official Facebook page, President Marcos confirmed he has issued directives for rapid evacuation and activation of emergency protocols.
“We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe. I have directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and all concerned agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local governments,” the President said.
The government is also preparing for the subsequent phases of the disaster response. “Search, rescue, and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so,” President Marcos added.
To support communities that may be displaced, the President has tasked the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with the immediate pre-positioning of food and non-food items in strategic locations. Additionally, the Department of Health (DOH) has been placed on standby to provide essential emergency medical assistance as needed.
President Marcos emphasized that public safety is the government’s paramount priority, urging residents in all affected areas to remain vigilant and heed official instructions.
“Move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe. Follow all instructions from your local disaster councils and barangay officials. Your safety is our top priority,” the President urged.
President Marcos assured the public of the government’s commitment to providing continuous aid and support. “We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it. Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen,” he concluded.
Government agencies continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available.
