Marcos to visit Mindanao earthquake victims

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will visit areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that shook Mindanao, according to Palace press officer Claire Castro.

Castro confirmed this at a briefing on Tuesday. However, the date and other details about his visit are yet to be provided.

READ: Mindanao earthquake death toll climbs to 37; 479 injured – NDRRMC

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Meanwhile, in a situation briefing with government officials in Malacañang, the president ordered the prioritization of the welfare of patients in hospitals affected by the tremor.

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“The president emphasized that hospitals should be prioritized for inspection and that safe places should be identified where patients can be protected from the effects of the earthquake,” Castro said.

“The president specifically directed the DOH [Department of Health], led by Secretary Ted Herbosa, and the DPWH [Department of Public Works and Highways], led by Secretary Vince Dizon, to conduct an assessment as soon as possible,” she continued.

The president also directed Energy Secretary Sharon Garin to ensure that hospitals and other health facilities would have a stable supply of electricity, Castro added.

For her part, Garin reported to Marcos that the electric service in most areas in Mindanao had already been restored.

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In a Zoom conversation, Marcos assured General Santos City Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao that the government would continue assisting quake victims.

READ: Marcos orders swift response after magnitude 7.8 Sarangani earthquake

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“In a report by the DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development] led by Secretary Rex Gatchalian, the agency emphasized that the needs in the earthquake-hit areas are being met. The DSWD is partnering with the Philippine Air Force and Coast Guard in airlifting aid to areas inaccessible to vehicles,” Castro said.

“The DPWH expects the opening of roads affected by the earthquake while the Bucana Bridge in Davao City remains safe for aid workers to pass through,” she also said.

As of June 9, the death toll from the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off Maasim, Sarangani, in Mindanao on Monday morning had risen to 37.

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Meanwhile, 479 people have so far been reported injured, and four others remain missing. /das /atm

HELP MINDANAO EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS

The Inquirer Foundation is calling for support for communities devastated by the recent magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao.

In partnership with the Philippine Red Cross, the foundation is amplifying appeals for food, clean water and other critical assistance for affected families.

Donors may send contributions directly to the Philippine Red Cross through its official transfer channels, the complete list is available on the PRC’s Facebook page.

The Philippine Red Cross has activated its emergency fund campaign and deployed teams on the ground to provide medical services, distribute relief goods and extend psychosocial support to affected families.