House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez today called on his fellow congressmen to help mobilize all resources needed for relief and rehabilitation efforts in the aftermath of twin earthquakes that rocked Batanes early Saturday morning.
“I was saddened to hear that lives were lost due to powerful quakes that rocked Batanes this morning. I am asking my colleagues in the House of Representatives to help mobilize all resources needed in the aftermath of this tragedy,” Romualdez said.
Romualdez said he had already gotten in touch with Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato to inquire how he and other congressmen can help in the relief and rehabilitation operations in the province.
“We already made available a private plane for Rep. Gato so he can fly immediately to his province to assess the situation on the ground. We expect an initial report from him the soonest time possible so we can help mobilize all the resources needed,” the House leader said.
“I know the pain caused by such a tragedy. I also know the urgent need to mobilize resources at this very hour. Time is of the essence, and we need everybody’s help,” he added.
Romualdez said they made sure that Rep. Gato will arrive today in Batanes with a team of volunteer doctors and initial supply of medicine, ready-to-eat food and drinking water.
“Rep. Gato will not fly-in solo. We made sure that he has a team of doctors and an initial supply of medicine, food and water. The private plane is at full load capacity,” he stressed.
At least eight people were reportedly killed and more than 60 injured when two successive earthquakes struck Batanes early Saturday, toppling homes and structures.
The first earthquake, with 5.9 magnitude and tectonic in origin, struck east of Itbayat at a depth of 12 kilometers at 4:16 am.
Another magnitude 5.4 earthquake east of Itbayat was recorded at 9:24 am.
Many of those killed were reportedly pinned down at sleep by roofs and walls that collapsed due to the quakes.
