Police forces have heightened visibility and rapid-response operations across Eastern Samar after a magnitude 6 earthquake struck the province, prompting authorities to secure communities, support relief efforts, and prevent any breakdown in public order.
Acting on the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to intensify disaster response, the Philippine National Police (PNP) immediately boosted its ground presence in affected areas following the quake that hit on the afternoon of May 4.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said personnel from Police Regional Office 8 were promptly deployed to assist local government units in clearing operations, conduct safety inspections, and help manage the distribution of relief aid.
He emphasized that maintaining peace and order remains a top priority as communities recover, noting that police are also working to deter opportunistic crimes while supporting evacuation and rescue efforts as needed.
The earthquake struck at 2:09 p.m., with its epicenter located about nine kilometers northwest of San Julian, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Initial assessments reported no significant structural damage.
Ground shaking reached Intensity V in areas including Can-avid, Dulag, Alangalang, and Gandara. Intensity IV was recorded in Abuyog, Palo, and Carigara, while several other areas across Leyte and neighboring provinces experienced weaker tremors.
Authorities said the quake was also felt in parts of Southern Leyte, Sorsogon, Cebu, Iloilo, Masbate, and Davao Occidental.
The PNP continues to coordinate closely with disaster response units to ensure safety during ongoing relief and recovery operations. Nartatez also ordered an inspection of police facilities in the region to assess any damage and confirm operational readiness.
He assured the public that contingency measures—including backup communication systems and mobile deployments—are in place to ensure uninterrupted police services.
The PNP chief urged residents to remain alert but calm, assuring them that police visibility will be sustained until conditions fully stabilize.