Ombudsman places Mindanao offices under work-from-home setup after earthquake

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has temporarily placed the Ombudsman Mindanao offices under a work-from-home arrangement following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Saranggani province on Monday morning.

“The work-from-home order was issued to ensure the safety and well-being of OMB employees,” the Ombudsman’s office said in a statement.

Likewise, the Ombudsman said inspections are under way to ensure the structural integrity of the OMB offices in the H&C Building in Matina, Davao City, and the Alu Building in Cagayan de Oro City.

As a result, the release of clearances is temporarily suspended.

However, the Ombudsman assured the public that complaints may still be filed via email through mindanao@ombudsman.gov.ph and ombudsman_cdo@ombudsman.gov.ph

At least 19 people have died due to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake, based on the report of the Office of Civil Defense.

The President has also suspended classes in quake-hit areas until further notice, saying the safety of the children should always come first.

In a separate statement, Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III of Isabela assured affected communities that the House of Representatives stands ready to support emergency response and recovery efforts, including any measures needed to provide assistance to families, local governments, and sectors that may be affected by the disaster.

“The House of Representatives stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Mindanao. We are prepared to support all necessary efforts to help affected communities recover and rebuild,” Dy said. —LDF, GMA News