PPA, PCG to extend aid to Cotabato quake victims

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to participate in relief efforts for Cotabato residents affected by the 6.5-magnitude earthquake that struck parts of Mindanao on Thursday morning.

In a statement, PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said he had instructed all Project Management Offices in affected areas to coordinate with other government agencies in organizing relief efforts.

“We are ready to provide assistance to affected areas. PPA is ready to help in whatever way we can. We are one with government, in prayer and in action, to restore immediately what has been damaged by the quake,” he said.

The PPA will provide bottled water and food to evacuees and reallocate available 'Malasakit supplies' to the victims.

Santiago also ordered that the agency prioritize cargo intended for rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, Coast Guard Commandant Vice Admiral Joel Garcia said they have deployed all available PCG assets to affected areas in Davao City, Davao del Sur, and Cotabato.

"PCG vessels were deployed nationwide to help in the shipment of relief goods and other forms of assistance from non-government organizations and private sectors as soon as possible in order to augment the needs of the victims,” he said.

The Coast Guard's K-9 search and rescue dogs had earlier been deployed to badly hit areas.

To further aid search and rescue operations, Garcia said the PCG will also deploy an Islander 251 wing plane with the K-9 units and distribute 500 handheld radios. — BAP, GMA News