President Marcos Jr. Orders Immediate Assistance for Earthquake Victims in Davao Occidental

Sarangani, Davao Occidental – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has issued directives for rapid government aid to the victims of a recent magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Sarangani, Davao Occidental, as confirmed by Malacañang on Friday.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos, who is currently attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in San Francisco, California, mandated swift action from all relevant government agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. The earthquake, which occurred at approximately 4:14 p.m., was initially reported by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) as a magnitude 7.2 event. It struck about 34 kilometers northwest of Sarangani Island at a depth of 72 kilometers. Despite the significant magnitude, Phivolcs reassured that there was no imminent tsunami threat, although unusual sea level disturbances near the earthquake’s epicenter in Davao Occidental could occur.

In a statement, President Marcos emphasized the activation of emergency preparedness and response protocols by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). He assured that the Civil Defense Regional Offices are closely coordinating with local government units (LGUs) for real-time updates and emphasized his unwavering commitment to the safety and recovery of affected citizens.

Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian has directed Mindanao field offices to be on high alert and ready to assist LGUs. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) elevated the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Operations Center’s alert status to “Blue,” mandating duty rendering from the AFP, PNP, PCG, and BFP to support response activities. OCD administrator, Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, confirmed ongoing close monitoring and coordination at national and regional levels.

Current reports indicate a power outage in General Santos City and Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, with damage to one school and several houses in Sarangani, Davao Occidental. A fatality in Barangay Butuan, Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental, is under investigation. The NDRRMC has disseminated an Emergency Alert and Warning Message to multiple provinces, including Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur, Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Cotabato, advising communities to take precautionary measures.