Marcos condoles with kin of Cebu earthquake victims

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed sympathies to families who lost their loved ones following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake in Cebu province. 

''Buong puso akong nakikiramay sa mga pamilyang nawalan ng mahal sa buhay, at kasama sa aking mga dasal ang kaligtasan ng mga nasugatan at lahat ng naapektuhan ng lindol,'' Marcos said in a statement.

(I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones, and my prayers include the safety of the injured and all those affected by the earthquake.)

The reported death toll due to the quake has increased to 60, according to an update from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) around 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

The President, meanwhile, ensured that Cabinet secretaries are already in the affected areas to provide help and assess the damage brought by the powerful earthquake.

''Nasa mga apektadong lugar na po ang ating mga Kalihim upang magbigay ng tulong at suriin ang pinsala mula sa lindol at mga aftershock,'' Marcos said. 

(Our Secretaries are already in the affected areas to provide assistance and assess the damage from the earthquake and aftershocks.)

The Department of Public Works and Highways is already ensuring the safety of roads and bridges, Marcos said, adding that the Department of Energy is already working to bring back the power supply. 

Marcos also asked the residents to remain alert and heed the advice of the local government units. 

"Hinihikayat ko ang lahat na manatiling alerto at makinig sa abiso ng inyong lokal na pamahalaan. Sama-sama nating itatawid ang ating mga kababayan at muling itatayo ang mga komunidad na naapektuhan,'' Marcos said. 

(I encourage everyone to remain alert and heed to the advice of the local government. We will ensure that the affected citizens will rise from this.)

Marcos said the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are leading in the operations for the earthquake victims. 

The province of Cebu has been placed under a state of calamity following the powerful magnitude that struck Bogo City. —VAL, GMA Integrated News