Lorenzana to lead relief efforts, ensure safety in Mindanao after quakes

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Saturday ordered Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to lead all relief efforts and ensure the safety of the public in affected areas of quake-stricken southern Philippine island of Mindanao.

"I have tasked Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, as head of the Department of National Defense (DND) and Martial Law Administrator, to lead all relief efforts, and to ensure safety and security of the public in the earthquake stricken areas of Mindanao," Medialdea said in a statement.

Medialdea advised the public to coordinate directly with the DND and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) for efficiency in the distribution of relief efforts such as relief goods and rescue operations.

Several areas of Mindanao were hit by a magnitude 6.6 and 6.5 earthquakes on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively.

A 5.5 magnitude quake hit the area anew on Friday morning, followed by a magnitude 5.0 temblor in the afternoon.

The NDRRMC has so far recorded 17 dead, two missing, and 327 injured in its latest report on Saturday. — Joahna Lei Casilao/MDM, GMA News