DILG orders strict preparedness measures amid Cebu, Davao aftershocks

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) mandated all concerned local government units (LGUs) to strictly implement precautions, following the strong earthquakes that recently hit the provinces of Cebu and Davao Oriental.

Amid ongoing aftershocks, the DILG tasked the local officials to activate their contingency, public service continuity plans, and emergency and evacuation protocols.

“The success of response and recovery efforts depends on the immediate, coordinated, and proactive leadership of LGUs,” the agency previously said in its press release. “With the threat of continuing aftershocks, swift and decisive action is non-negotiable.”

The agency also advised residents in the coastlines of affected areas to observe tsunami warning signs, including strong earthquakes, unusual sounds from the ocean, and rapid rise or fall in water levels along the coast.

According to the DILG, local chief executives must lead immediate damage assessments and prioritize critical infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and lifelines.

“LGUs must ensure the structural safety of evacuation centers and public buildings, and utilize open spaces as temporary shelters where needed,” it said. “Vigilant monitoring of old or damaged structures is critical, particularly in areas prone to landslides or further shaking from aftershocks.”

The DILG addressed the public’s worry due to tremors felt in several regions of the Philippines and the spread of misinformation across digital platforms.

Misleading announcements are circulating on social media about the suspension of classes to prepare for the “Big One,” a projected magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Luzon.

“The public must refrain from spreading unverified information and must rely solely on official updates,” it said.

In its press release, the DILG said all advisories from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) should be closely monitored.

A strong magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu, on Sept. 30, recorded more than 11,000 aftershocks. Meanwhile, magnitude 7.4 and 6.8 earthquakes hit the coast of Davao Oriental on Oct. 10, with a total of 1,464 aftershocks.