THE Philippine National Police (PNP) has raised the full alert status in the Davao and Caraga regions following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Davao Oriental on Friday morning.
According to Phivolcs, the earthquake occurred around 9:43 a.m., 43 kilometers northeast of Manay, Davao Oriental.
“All affected areas, the two regions (Davao and Caraga), are on full alert,” stated PNP public information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
Initial reports indicate damage to the Panabo City Police Station and Talaingod Municipal Police Station, while the Magsaysay Bridge in Butuan City has been temporarily closed to motorists due to cracks.
Tuaño said that assessment of the extent of the damage and deployment of personnel are ongoing. He added that PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has instructed the affected regions to tighten security and assist in evacuation operations.
“Our personnel are ready to provide security at evacuation centers. As of now, some centers have been established but no evacuees are yet present,” Tuaño said.
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