Ceiling falls as Davao City students shield selves with chairs

Students in Davao City sought to protect themselves from debris as parts of their classroom ceiling fell during the impact of the magnitude-7.4 earthquake that jolted Manay, Davao Oriental on Friday.

In a video post by GMA Regional TV's One Mindanao, students of the Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao in Davao City were shouting as they lifted monobloc chairs over their heads.

Another video clip showed a classroom in darkness as the air was thick with dust. The voice of one individual could be heard saying, "Ayaw ko mag-panic! Ayaw ko mag-panic, bai! (I don't want to panic! I don't want to panic, friend)"

The frightened students later sought safe haven as they made their way out of the school building. 

According to One Mindanao, the students managed to exit the school safely, except for a few who sustained injuries.

The Mapua Malayan Colleges Mindanao announced the suspension of its classes following the incident.

"Due to the recent earthquake, there will be no face-to-face, synchronous, or asynchronous classes today. Entry inside the campus will be STRICTLY PROHIBITED until further notice," the school administration said.

— VDV, GMA Integrated News