Davao: Police Regional Offices (PRO) 11 (Davao) and 13 (Caraga) were placed on full alert on Friday to help in humanitarian and rescue efforts following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
According to Philippines News Agency, at a press briefing held in Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson and information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o said PRO-11 activated 'Oplan Kalsada' to give free rides to commuters and maintain road safety, while police personnel prepare to provide security in evacuation centers and assist in rescue and relief operations. Tua±o stated that personnel are ready to secure evacuation centers, although as of the report, evacuees have yet to arrive at these locations.
He mentioned that they are still awaiting a full assessment report on the damage caused by the quake, including on police stations. Police drones have already been deployed to evaluate the damage. In the Davao Region, the Panabo City Police Station sustained damage to its water tank, while a perimeter fence was damaged at the Talaingod Municipal Police Station. Both are under the Davao del Norte Provincial Police.
The PNP spokesperson noted that the quake damaged the Magsaysay Bridge in Butuan City, leaving the structure temporarily closed to motorists. The tremor also disrupted power in parts of the region. Tua±o highlighted that the two regions, Davao and Caraga, are on full alert. He mentioned some signal issues in Region 11 that delayed the report from the regional director, whereas Caraga submitted a situation report more promptly.
He advised all concerned local chief executives to observe the advisory issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on forced evacuation and precautionary measures following a tsunami warning due to the offshore quake. Residents in coastal areas in Eastern Samar, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Dinagat Islands, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and Davao Oriental were advised to evacuate to higher grounds or move farther inland.
