Manila: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has instructed local government units (LGUs) to conduct inspections of structures within their jurisdictions after a series of earthquakes affected the country. This directive comes in response to recent seismic activities that have raised concerns about structural integrity and public safety.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has ordered all national agencies to provide assistance to the affected areas and expedite recovery and rehabilitation efforts. The DILG expressed its commitment to supporting LGUs in ensuring the safety and swift recovery of communities impacted by the earthquakes.
The DILG emphasized the need for LGUs, guided by building officials, municipal and city engineers, and other technical staff, to perform rapid structural assessments. Priority should be given to structures in heavily affected barangays and those showing visible damage such as cracks, partial collapse, or foundation issues. Buildings and structures that have been tilted, displaced, or affected by ground fissures should also be inspected before being deemed safe for reoccupation.
In addition, residential structures need to be evaluated to assess damage and ensure occupant safety. If structures are found unsafe, affected families should be relocated to temporary shelters. The DILG also urged LGUs to expedite the processing of permits for necessary repair or reconstruction work, ensuring compliance with national safety and engineering standards.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has played a crucial role in maintaining law and order in disaster-hit areas. Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. highlighted the importance of the police presence in restoring public confidence and supporting local disaster response operations in regions affected by earthquakes and volcanic activities.
In Davao Region, following significant earthquakes, the Police Regional Office 11 was put on red alert. No crimes were reported in the province post-quake, although 18 municipal police stations experienced minor damage but remained operational. Similarly, in Caraga Region, police conducted inspections and assessed earthquake damage, with one station declared uninhabitable, necessitating temporary operational adjustments.
Elsewhere, police stations in Bicol and Negros are on heightened alert due to the activity of Bulusan and Kanlaon volcanoes. In Makati City, a peaceful rally took place without incident, as reported by PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o.
