MANILA – At least five persons were killed while 43 others were injured following a 6.6-magnitude earthquake that hit Tulunan, Cotabato, authorities said.
According to the Office of Civil Defense-Region 12, one of the fatalities was 66-year-old Nestor Narciso of Koronadal City in South Cotabato.
A 15-year-old also died due to the quake, said Magsaysay, Davao del Sur mayor Arthur Davin.
Two others were found dead in Barangay Lanao Kuran in Arakan town, Cotabato, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management officer Weng Gafate said.
The latest fatality – a 23-year-old pregnant – was in Tulunan, Cotabato province confirmed by Tulunan mayor Reuel Limbungan.
At least 30 other individuals in Kidapawan City and 13 in M’lang North Cotabato were injured, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The NDRRMC said a total of 23 local government units have suspended their classes as aftershocks are expected.
The worth of damage caused by the quake was not immediately established as of press time.
The earthquake, which was tectonic in origin, occurred around 9:04 a.m. on Tuesday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. Its epicenter was traced 25 kilometers southeast of Tulunan, Cotabato.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said the Palace was assessing the damage and closely monitoring the situation, calling on the public to remain calm and vigilant.
“All responsible government agencies and local government units are currently undertaking rapid damage assessment and needs analysis of affected areas and communities in order to properly assess the situation and coordinate rescue and relief operations,” he added.
“Citizens should also remain calm but vigilant and refrain from spreading disinformation that may cause undue alarm, panic and stress to many people,” said Panelo.(With CNN/PN)
