Eastmincom raises alert level after Mindanao quakes

The Armed Forces' Eastern Mindanao Command said Sunday that it has raised the alert level of all military units and activated its disaster response group after a series of powerful quakes in Mindanao last week.

In a statement, Eastmincom chief Lieutenant General Felimon Santos Jr. said he had also directed the Navy, Air Force, Army, and military engineers to take part in disaster response efforts.

"Let us assist our local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of these affected areas and provide the capability our units can offer,” he said.

"While doing so, let us continue to be vigilant to ensure that terrorists will not take advantage of the situation,” Santos added.

Two powerful temblors jolted Tulunan, Cotabato on October 29 (magnitude 6.6) and 31 (magnitude 6.5), after an earlier 6.3-magnitude quake on October 16.

According to the national disaster management council, the agency has  recorded 21 deaths, 432 injuries, and 2 missing persons since the October 31 quake.  —Julia Mari Ornedo/LBG, GMA News