The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered local government units in affected areas to activate emergency response measures after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake and a magnitude 6.7 aftershock struck parts of Mindanao on Monday morning.
The directive followed President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s instruction for LGUs and concerned agencies to immediately coordinate disaster response, monitoring, and public safety operations in quake-hit areas.
Citing DOST-PHIVOLCS, the DILG said the magnitude 7.8 quake occurred at 7:37 a.m. at a depth of 33 kilometers. Its epicenter was located offshore near Maasim, Sarangani Province, about 32 kilometers south, four degrees west of the municipality.
A magnitude 6.7 aftershock was later recorded in affected localities and nearby provinces.
The DILG directed concerned LGUs to activate their Emergency Operations Centers and the Disaster Online Reporting and Monitoring System, and to convene their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils for the immediate rollout of response actions.
LGUs were also reminded to use safe and open spaces for evacuation and to inspect evacuation centers and other facilities before allowing residents to take shelter, especially with the threat of aftershocks.
Local chief executives were further advised to conduct Rapid Damage Assessment and Needs Analysis, inspect infrastructure, determine the extent of damage, and closely monitor developments in their areas.
The DILG said the Bureau of Fire Protection in Regions XI and XII has been placed under Code Red Alert, with all off-duty personnel on standby as rapid damage assessments continue in affected communities.
The Philippine National Police has also recalled and deployed personnel in the same regions to support disaster response and public safety operations.
The DILG urged the public to remain vigilant, follow the instructions of local authorities, observe evacuation protocols, and exercise caution, particularly in coastal communities due to possible aftershocks and tsunami-related hazards.
“The safety of our people remains our foremost priority. We call on all local governments, responders, and communities to work together, remain alert, and take all necessary precautions as authorities continue assessment and response operations in affected areas,” the department said.