Roque ‘sure’ Duterte will visit quake-hit Masbate

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Tuesday expressed optimism that President Rodrigo Duterte will visit the communities hit by the magnitude 6.6 earthquake in Masbate.

Roque, however, said the matter is subject to the assessment by the Presidential Security Group. 

“Instinctively, ang Presidente gusto nang lumipad papunta ng Masbate pero whether or not he will be allowed tignan po natin,” he said in a televised briefing. 

The Palace official also assured the public that the government will provide assistance to the quake victims. 

“Pagdating po sa ayuda huwag po kayong mag-alala. 'Yung mga pagkain, 'yung mga blankets, mga resettlement areas lahat po 'yan ay naka-preposition na po 'yan. Sanay na sanay na po tayo magbigay ng tulong sa ating mga kababayan,” Roque said.

At least one person died and 10 people were reportedly injured following the strong tremor on Tuesday morning, whose epicenter was traced in Catangian town. 

Initial information from the Office of Civil Defense V indicated that residences made of light materials in Palanas, Masbate have sustained damages.

Some buildings in Cataingan reportedly sustained cracks, according to the Masbate Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. —KG, GMA News