Davao city: Classes and work across all levels, both public and private, are suspended in the Davao Region following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday. The provinces of Davao Occidental, Davao Oriental, and Davao del Norte declared suspensions.
According to Philippines News Agency, in Davao del Sur, Digos City and the municipalities of Bansalan, Matanao, and Magsaysay also halted work and classes. Davao City and the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) likewise issued suspension orders. In Davao de Oro, the municipalities of Mawab, Pantukan, Montevista, New Bataan, Compostela, Mabini, Maco, Laak, Nabunturan, and Maragusan suspended work and classes.
IGACOS Mayor Lemuel Reyes placed the city's Emergency Operations Center under blue alert status, directing disaster personnel to remain on standby, intensify monitoring, and coordinate with communities for damage reports and aftershocks. All emergency assets are ready for deployment. The Davao City Police Office (DCPO) activated emergency response protocols and conducted safety assessments.
DCPO chief Col. Peter Madria instructed units to coordinate with the Safety and Security Cluster for swift rescue, relief, and security operations. "The public is urged to remain calm, stay vigilant, and cooperate with authorities as assessment, rescue, and recovery operations continue. The DCPO also encourages Dabawenyos to support one another during this critical time as the city works toward recovery and resilience," Madria said in an interview.
The Army's 10th Infantry Division (10ID) immediately mobilized its Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) units following the earthquake. It placed its units on heightened alert and deployed disaster response teams from the 27th and 28th Infantry Battalions, Task Force GenSan, 1002nd Infantry Brigade, and 10th Emergency Response Company.
Troops have started damage assessment, route-clearing, and other humanitarian activities in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense, local government units, Philippine National Police, and other agencies. "Our troops, particularly those under Task Force GenSan and the 1002nd Infantry Brigade, are already on the ground conducting disaster response and rescue operations. In close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense, local government units, and partner agencies, we remain committed to helping ensure the safety and welfare of our fellow Mindanaoans during this challenging time," Major General Alvin Luzon, 10ID commander, said in a statement.
