Palace assures quake-hit areas in Mindanao of speedy gov’t aid

April 29, 2017

Malacanang assured residents in quake-hit areas in Mindanao on Saturday government assistance would immediately be extended to them. In a statement, Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella urged the people, particularly  residents in Sarangani, to stay calm but remain vigilant after magnitude 7.2 earthquake jolted Sarangani at 4:23am on Saturday. "Our disaster officials are now conducting rapid damage assessment and we assure those affected that immediate assistance will be provided," Abella said. Some establishments in southern Philippines were destroyed or suffered crack due to the powerful temblor. The Department of Transportation, quoting a report from the Philippine Ports Authority, said the port of Glan in Sarangani suffered serious and heavy damage. "Also the wharf suffered heavy cracks and the old pier sunk by as much as 15 cm (centimeters) in most parts," said PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago. He added the passenger terminal building of the port was "unsafe for use and must be temporarily closed." "The port likewise must be temporarily closed unless authorized by the office," he added. (Celerina Monte/DMS)