By Azer Parrocha/PNA
MANILA — Malacañang urged local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao to take precautionary measures in view of a possible aftershock or tsunami after a 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of Davao Oriental just before noon Saturday.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo also urged all Mindanao residents to be alert and cooperate with LGUs to ensure their safety.
“The Palace urges local government units in Mindanao to closely monitor their respective areas of jurisdiction and take precautionary measures, particularly those in the coastal areas, in view of possible aftershocks, tsunami or both as a result of this morning’s 7.1-magnitude earthquake,” Panelo said in a statement.
“We ask everyone to be alert and cooperate as we pray for the safety of all,” he added.
According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the earthquake’s epicenter was located 162 km. southwest of the municipality of Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental province.
Phivolcs, meanwhile, advised people in the following areas to stay away from the coast facing the Philippine Sea from 12 noon to 2 p.m. and move farther inland until the threat has passed:
Compostela Valley
Davao del Norte
Davao del Sur
Davao Oriental
Davao City
Sarangani
South Cotabato
Agusan del Norte
Agusan del Sur
Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Sur
