The House of Representatives called for vigilance, coordination, and immediate action after a powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off the coast of Sarangani, triggering tsunami warnings and shaking several areas across Mindanao.
The lower chamber expressed concern for affected communities and urged residents, especially those in coastal and low-lying areas covered by official warnings, to strictly follow evacuation orders and safety advisories.
“Our foremost concern at this time is the safety and well-being of our fellow Filipinos in Mindanao. I urge everyone, especially those in coastal and low-lying communities, to heed the warnings and instructions of authorities. Please evacuate immediately when directed and prioritize your safety and that of your families,” Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said.
He also called on local government units, disaster response agencies, uniformed personnel, volunteers, and community leaders to ensure orderly evacuations and the swift delivery of assistance to affected areas.
“Sa ganitong mga pagkakataon, mahalaga ang mabilis na koordinasyon at pagtutulungan. Nananawagan tayo sa lahat ng LGUs, emergency responders, volunteers at mga lider ng komunidad na tiyaking ligtas ang ating mga kababayan at maayos ang pagresponde sa anumang pangangailangan sa mga apektadong lugar,” he added.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology earlier warned that tsunami waves of more than one meter above normal tide levels could affect several coastal provinces, including Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat, and South Cotabato.
Authorities also warned of possible damage and strong aftershocks following the major quake.
Dy welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive for concerned government agencies to immediately mobilize and respond to the situation, saying a whole-of-government approach is needed to ensure fast and effective rescue, relief, and response operations.
He said the House stands ready to support emergency response and recovery efforts, including measures needed to assist affected families, local governments, and sectors hit by the disaster.
“The House of Representatives stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Mindanao. We are prepared to support all necessary efforts to help affected communities recover and rebuild. Ang mahalaga ngayon ay ang kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino at ang agarang pagtugon sa kanilang pangangailangan,” he stressed.
He also urged the public to remain calm, monitor official advisories, and avoid sharing unverified information that could cause panic.