DHSUD activates shelter teams in quake-hit areas

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) activated over the weekend its shelter cluster teams to respond to the regions in Mindanao which were affected by the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that hit Sarangani, Davao Occidental on Friday.

DHSUD Undersecretary Randy Escolango issued a memorandum on Saturday for the activation of the teams and ordered all affected regional offices “to closely monitor your respective areas of jurisdiction and facilitate emergency responses and humanitarian assistance as needed.”

According to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), among the most affected areas were the Davao region and Soccsksargen.

The NDRRMC also reported that at least 55 houses were partially damaged, while 19 were totaled in Davao region and Soccsksargen due to the tectonic quake.

The affected DHSUD regional offices were also tasked to submit daily situation reports to the central office.

Escolango said that DHSUD and its partner, the International Organization for Migration, have readied shelter-grade tarpaulins for distribution to affected families.

Aftershocks

A magnitude 4.3 aftershock jolted Sarangani at 4:05 a.m. yesterday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Phivolcs said the quake’s epicenter was located 22 kilometers south of Glan, Sarangani, with a depth of focus of 33 km.

Instrumental intensity 1 was recorded in Kiamba and Malungon, Sarangani and General Santos City.

Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said that the aftershocks could persist for several days to weeks.

Based on the monitoring of Phivolcs, close to 100 aftershocks were recorded ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 4.3.

“We would expect at most a magnitude 5.8 aftershock,” Bacolcol said.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works and Highways was instructed by Senate public works committee chairman Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. to immediately deploy personnel to inspect infrastructure in General Santos City and other parts of Southern Mindanao which were hit by the earthquake.

“While there are only minor damage apparent now, it is important to ensure that no structural damage were sustained by buildings and bridges,” Revilla explained.

On the other hand, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that minimal damage in police stations in Mindanao was reported following the earthquake.

Given the aftermath of the earthquake, PNP public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo stated that the police are heavily involved in activities such as road clearing and supporting temporary evacuation centers.

The affected regions, Fajardo said, witnessed incidents of stampedes and traffic congestion, prompting the PNP to assist in managing these situations.

Fajardo called for cooperation and solidarity, particularly from transportation groups in the affected areas.

“Instead of staging rallies during the transport strike, let’s work together so that we can extend our help to those affected by the earthquake,” Fajardo said.

PCSO provides relief

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has started its distribution of relief in the earthquake-struck communities of South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos.

Melquiades Robles, PCSO general manager and vice chairman of the board, had promptly directed their branches and Small-Town Lottery operators in the damaged areas, to distribute food packs to affected families and victims, ensuring that swift assistance reaches those in need.

“Our deepest concern lies with the families affected by the earthquake. Through our close collaboration with local government units, we aim to ensure that these families receive the necessary assistance during this challenging time,” Robles said.

The PCSO also offered to provide medical aid to individuals injured or hospitalized due to the calamity through its Medical Assistance Program. Additionally, the agency has allocated calamity funds to support affected communities in their recovery from the devastating effects of the natural disaster.

Among those that responded promptly to Robles’ call are the PCSO South Cotabato Branch Office and STL Operators, Tentro Gaming and Leisure Corp., and JGM Gaming & Leisure Corp.

The STL operators teamed up with concerned local government units yesterday for the distribution of food packs to 200 families in Malapatan, Sarangani province, and 200 families in Barangay Bula, in General Santos City.

Meanwhile, Japan expressed yesterday its condolences to the victims of the magnitude 6.7 earthquake.

“I express my deepest condolences to the victims of the earthquake in southern Mindanao and their families. I wish for a speedy recovery of the affected areas,” Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

The NDRRMC said Saturday that seven people were killed and several others were wounded in the earthquake. — Bella Cariaso, Cecille Suerte Felipe, Mark Ernest Villeza, Rainier Allan Ronda, Pia Lee-Brago