Marcos to visit Mindanao after magnitude 7.8 earthquake

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to visit Mindanao to inspect areas affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani on Monday.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed this in a press conference on Tuesday.

She, however, did not identify the exact date of Marcos’ visit.

“Meron po [na plano]. Hindi ko po maibibigay ang eksaktong araw, pero may balak po siya na pumunta. Naka-schedule po ‘yan,” Castro said.

(There is such a plan. I can't give the exact date, but the President has plans to go there. It's scheduled.)

Thirty-seven individuals have so far been reported dead following the powerful tremor that was felt in several provinces in Mindanao, according to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Tuesday.

As of 11 a.m., the OCD said 488 individuals were injured and four remain missing.

President’s orders

Following the situation briefing earlier on Tuesday, Castro said the President underscored the need to immediately assess affected hospitals and identify safe areas where patients can be relocated, if necessary.

She said Marcos specifically ordered Health Secretary Ted Herbosa and Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon to work on the matter.

He likewise tasked the Department of Energy (DOE) to prioritize the supply of electricity to hospitals.

“Sa report ng DOE, kinumpirma ng ahensiya na nakabalik na ang supply ng kuryente sa maraming lugar sa Mindanao,” Castro said.

(Based on the DOE's report, it was confirmed that electricity supply has been restored in many areas in Mindanao.)

“Inaasahan naman ng DPWH ang pagbubukas ng mga kalsadang naapektuhan ng lindol habang ang Bucana Bridge sa Davao City ay nananatiling ligtas upang madaanan ng mga magpapaabot ng tulong,” she added.

(The DPWH is also expected to open to roads affected by the earthquake soon, while the Bucana Bridge in Davao City remains safe for those passing through to extend assistance.)

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), meanwhile, gave assurance that telecommunications and internet services remain largely stable in areas affected by the earthquake.

According to Castro, earthquake victims need not worry about food assistance, as the government is working to ensure the timely delivery of supplies. —RF, GMA News