Cebu: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday urged all concerned local government units (LGUs) in affected areas to immediately implement critical response and preparedness measures following the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck off the coast of Bogo City, Cebu on Tuesday night.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DILG ordered affected LGUs to convene their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), activate Emergency Operations Centers and Incident Management Teams, and mobilize Barangay DRRMCs for close monitoring of weakened structures and geohazard areas. Local chief executives were also instructed to implement the minimum critical preparedness actions outlined in the “Operation L!STO” Earthquake Preparedness Manual, as well as lead rapid damage assessments, prioritizing critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and lifelines.
The DILG also advised evacuation of communities in high-risk zones and the use of open spaces as temporary shelters where needed. LGUs were also reminded to activate their contingency and public service continuity plans; conduct resource inventories; preposition emergency supplies; coordinate with neighboring LGUs, national government agencies, and the private sector for humanitarian support; and ensure continuous communication and timely updates for the public. The DILG also said small-scale mining operations in affected or high-risk areas must be suspended immediately for safety.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said 1,356 police officers have been deployed across quake-affected areas as of 11 a.m. Wednesday to ensure public safety, assist in disaster response, and provide security support to local communities. Police deployment included personnel from various police offices across the region, including Cebu City, Mactan City, and Lapu-lapu City, among others.
The PNP has also confirmed the activation of 1,457 evacuation centers, with one currently occupied at the Cebu Provincial Police Office, where nine families or 33 individuals are taking temporary shelter. Meanwhile, initial assessments reported 27 damaged buildings and three PNP stations. ‘Our personnel are on the ground not only to secure affected areas, but also to extend a helping hand to families in need. The President’s marching order is clear-government must be felt where it matters most, and your police force is committed to delivering on that mandate,’ said PNP acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. in a statement.
For his part, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology Regional Office – Central Visayas (BJMPRO-7) Director Jail Supt. Luisito Mu±oz said all persons deprived of liberty (PDL) and jail personnel in the region are safe and accounted for, as they were briefly evacuated to open courts and allowed only to return once the premises had been cleared. Mu±oz said minor cracks were observed at Bogo City Jail and Medellin District Jail – Male Dormitory, but no casualties or injuries were reported. The facilities were also hit by power interruption but generators and solar lights were on standby. Other facilities, including the Cebu City Jail – Male Dormitory and the Bohol District Jail – Male Dormitory, likewise, reported zero casualty among their PDLs.
