Malaysian, Taiwanese leaders extend sympathies to PH after deadly Cebu earthquake

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday extended their sympathies to the Philippines after a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Bogo City, Cebu, on Tuesday, leaving nearly 70 individuals dead. 

“I am deeply saddened by the devastating earthquake that has struck Cebu and neighboring areas of the Philippines. The loss and hardship endured by so many families weigh heavily on us, and Malaysia mourns with the people of the Philippines in this time of grief,” Anwar said in a Facebook post. 

Anwar said Malaysia is ready to extend assistance in relief and recovery efforts. 

“Malaysia stands in full solidarity with the Philippines. We will do what we can to support relief and recovery efforts, and we pray that the strength and resilience of the Filipino people will carry them through these difficult days,” he added.

Lai also expressed his condolences following the deadly earthquake. 

“I extend sincere condolences on behalf of the people of Taiwan to all impacted by the devastating earthquake in the Philippines. Our hearts are with all those who are grieving, and we pray for swift and successful rescue efforts,” he said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). 

The earthquake was initially reported as a magnitude 6.7 before being upgraded to 6.9. It had a depth of 5 km and was tectonic in origin, the PHIVOLCS said. 

The state seismologists also said that an offshore fault that had not moved in the epicentral area for at least 400 years caused the earthquake. 

According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, about 27,000 families have been affected by the earthquake in northern Cebu. —VBL, GMA Integrated News