Manila: The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has deployed teams to assess the structural integrity of critical infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and other public buildings, in areas affected by the 7.8-magnitude earthquake that struck General Santos City on Monday morning. DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said the deployment was ordered by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to ensure the safety of public structures.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dizon, together with officials from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Department of Health (DOH), traveled to the city to inspect and conduct on-site assessments of infrastructure affected by the earthquake. The DPWH chief also ordered the immediate repair of damaged roads and bridges to ensure the unhampered delivery of aid to communities affected by the quake.

"We need to conduct the assess first to make sure that all national roads are passable for relief operations, which is the first priority," Dizon stated in a video provided by the department. Dizon likewise directed the mobilization of the agency's heavy equipment to help clear debris from collapsed buildings in the city.

The Philippine National Police (PNP), on the other hand, placed police units across Mindanao on heightened alert to assist in evacuation efforts, secure critical infrastructure, and support relief operations. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the PNP is closely coordinating with the Office of Civil Defense, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), and local government units.

'The safety and security of residents in affected areas remain the PNP's top priority. The police are ensuring that roads and access routes are clear for rescue teams and that evacuation centers are safe and orderly for displaced residents, particularly in coastal communities under the tsunami warning,' Nartatez said in a statement. The PNP chief urged residents to follow evacuation instructions, move to higher ground, and prioritize their safety. He said all units are monitoring the situation in real time and are ready to provide immediate assistance wherever needed.

The 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck parts of southern Philippines, particularly Regions XI and XII. Initial reports indicated that at least 15 people died, while hundreds were injured.