Ano relays Duterte order for LGUs to inspect buildings following three quakes

November 1, 2019

Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano on Friday said he relayed the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to all local government units to inspect all  establishment within their jurisdiction thoroughly following three quakes that hit Cotabato in two weeks.

In a text message to reports, Ano said there is an “urgent need” to assess the structural integrity to ensure the safety of the public.

“I already relayed the order of PRRD ( President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) to all LGUs affected by the earthquake,” he said.

“There is an urgent need to assess the structural integrity to ensure the safety of the people living or holding office in those building,” he added.

The secretary said expected aftershocks might cause the collapse of unsafe structures which may result in loss of lives.

In a statement, Ano assured the people of Mindanao that all local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (DRRMCs) in affected areas are convened and operational, together with DRRMCs from nearby local government units  to supplement local efforts for quake victims.

“In these trying times, we encourage the people to remain calm and face the challenges with the safety of the people as the first priority. People’s lives are still important,” he said.

Last Thursday night, Dutete ordered all local government units to conduct thorough inspection of all the establishments in their respective areas following the strong earthquakes that rocked parts of Mindanao during the past two weeks.

"Well, it is time for the LGUs to inspect all - all buildings. Start it now. The earthquake season has come. I don't know if it will occur again between now and tomorrow," he said.

"The problem is, I won't be here, I'll be in Bangkok. So I do not want disasters to happen when I am not around. Not - not just for anything...just to be here and do what you can do for your countrymen," Duterte added.

Duterte was in his home in Davao City when the magnitude 6.5 earthquake struck again parts of Mindanao, with the epicenter in Tulunan, Cotabato on Thursday morning.

A hotel and a condominium also collapsed but according to the national disaster council, no one was inside the establishments. Ella Dionisio/DMS