DSWD Mobilizes Aid for Victims of Mindanao Earthquake; Death Toll Rises to 7
QUEZON CITY – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has pledged comprehensive support to those affected by the recent 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Mindanao. DSWD Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Romel Lopez, during the weekly Saturday News Forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City, assured prompt assistance including cash, food, and non-food items to the families and individuals impacted by the quake.
According to Philippines News Agency, the DSWD, through its Regional Field Offices (FOs) and in coordination with other government agencies, is actively assessing the needs of those affected, including the families of the deceased or injured. The department is ready to deploy its Emergency Cash Transfer and Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) programs, providing financial aid up to PHP 10,000 for those whose homes were damaged. For larger-scale rebuilding efforts, an interagency collaboration, including the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), will be initiated.
In addition to financial aid, the DSWD and its FOs are set to distribute family food packs, hygiene kits, and sleeping kits among other essentials. Lopez revealed that the DSWD has PHP1.43 billion worth of food and non-food items ready for distribution, along with PHP29.16 million in quick response funds available for immediate use by the field offices. An additional PHP14.2 million standby fund is also available in the DSWD offices in Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Soccsksargen.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the death toll has risen to seven. Fatalities were recorded in various locations across Davao Occidental, Sarangani, and General Santos. Additionally, two people are reported missing in Glan, while two others were injured in General Santos. Medical care has been provided to approximately 450 individuals experiencing hyperventilation and panic in the Davao Region and Soccsksargen, and 32 infrastructures across various areas have been reported as damaged.
In response to the disaster, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has ordered the deployment of emergency resources, including 292 fire trucks, 17 ambulances, nine rescue vehicles, and nearly 1,800 emergency personnel, to assist the victims. Abalos also instructed local chief executives and the police force to remain vigilant in providing aid and ensuring public safety in the affected areas. He encouraged residents to heed government advisories and stay alert for potential aftershocks.
Police officials in Mindanao have reported five fatalities and 300 injuries, primarily among students and mall workers. In General Santos City, Mayor Lorelie Pacquiao has suspended weekend classes for safety assessments of public school buildings. The Police Regional Office-Soccsksargen (PRO-12) also reported additional casualties, including a pastor in Malapatan and a hardware store owner in Glan, Sarangani province.
The Office of Civil Defense-12 is continuing the evaluation and assessment of both government and private structures, including town halls. Major malls in Gen. Santos and Koronadal City have sustained cracks and damage, with injuries reported in Koronadal City’s shopping malls due to collapsed ceiling parts.