Government and Philippine military deploy teams to handle 7.8 magnitude earthquake
Manila (ANTARA) - The Philippine Office of Civil Defence (OCD) was verifying reports on Monday regarding 19 fatalities resulting from a 7.8 magnitude earthquake that shook Maasim, Sarangani, and several neighbouring provinces. OCD Deputy Spokesperson Diego Agustin Mariano, as quoted by the Philippine News Agency (PNA), explained that 1k6 fatalities were reported from Soccsksargen and three others from the Davao region.
The deceased in Soccsksargen include ten people from General Santos City, three from Glan, Sarangani, two from Tupi, South Cotabato, and one from Malapatan, Sarangani. Additionally, the fatalities in the Davao region originated from Davao Occidental. According to Mariano, the death toll figures were sourced from the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils in each respective area. “We are still validating the number of fatalities,” he said.
The Philippine government noted that 129 people in Soccsksargen and five in the Davao region sustained injuries, while 12 individuals in General Santos City remain missing. Regarding structural damage, Mariano explained that the team does not yet have the data. “As for damaged buildings and infrastructure, we do not have the figures at this time,” he clarified.
AFP Rescue Operations
Following the earthquake, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has activated humanitarian assistance and disaster response protocols. “Coordination with the OCD, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and relevant local governments is ongoing. AFP units in the affected areas have been directed to remain on high alert for rapid response. Recent reports also indicate that several national agencies are beginning to mobilise post-earthquake necessities,” said AFP Spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla.
According to Padilla, AFP ground units, including unified commands, major services, and reserve elements in Mindanao, are on high alert and ready to support search, rescue, and evacuation operations. The AFP is also prepared to conduct rapid damage assessments and analysis, providing technical support, transport, communications, medical response, and the distribution of logistical aid as required.
“We are coordinating closely with the OCD and local authorities to ensure AFP capabilities are deployed to the areas of greatest need to provide the maximum benefit to the affected communities,” she said. The AFP’s current priority is saving lives, ensuring the safety of affected populations, and restoring normalcy. “We ensure that additional AFP personnel and assets are ready for deployment whenever and wherever needed. We urge all citizens to remain vigilant regarding potential aftershocks and to follow instructions from the authorities,” added Padilla.