Immediate search, rescue, and relief operations were urged after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck off Sarangani Province, with initial reports of damaged structures, tsunami warnings, and utility disruptions across parts of Mindanao.
Senate President Pro Tempore Sherwin Gatchalian called on the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Department of Social Welfare and Development, local government units, and other concerned agencies to respond quickly to affected communities.
“The situation calls for an all-hands-on-deck response. I urge the NDRRMC, DSWD, LGUs, and other concerned agencies to immediately deploy search, rescue, and relief operations,” Gatchalian said.
He said the priority must be to save lives and ensure affected residents have access to shelter, food, medical care, and other urgent assistance.
Gatchalian also urged the Department of Education to prioritize the safety of teachers and learners, noting that classes had just opened when the quake struck.
He said immediate steps should include checking the structural integrity of school buildings, providing psychosocial support, and adopting localized measures to ensure learning continuity where possible.
“Kasama ang buong Senado sa panalangin na mailigtas ang lahat ng mga nasaktan. Nawa’y magsama-sama ang lahat para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan sa Mindanao na apektado ng sakunang ito,” Gatchalian said.