Regional government deploys rescue contingents and peace agency evaluates tremor damage

After stretches of concrete highways were destroyed and communities were flattened by a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on Monday, June 8, urgent steps are being taken by the regional government to cope up with the growing humanitarian crisis.

It was reported by local executives that four hundred thirty-two houses were destroyed in General Santos City alone, which would result to the displacement of four thousand two hundred sixty-one residents, among them children and elderly folks. As of Wednesday morning, fourteen fatalities were recorded and emergency responders are still searching for missing villagers.

If interventions are not swiftly delivered to these areas by the responsible departments, the adverse effects on vulnerable families will worsen, unless the agency sustains its distribution of essential relief equipments and food supplies. South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo Tamayo Jr., speaking as chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council, expressed appreciation for the collaborative initiative of Secretary Mel Senen Sarmiento and Chief Minister Abdulrauf Macacua.

The office dispatched the rapid damage assessment team of the regional government on Tuesday. From Monday to Wednesday, five thousand food packs containing rice, canned tuna and coffee were delivered to the Sarangani provincial capitol in Glan town. The relief efforts also involve the ministry of local government.

Furthermore, a disaster impact assessment is now being initiated by the peace agency in Sarangani to determine suitable assistance for former communist insurgents and violent religious extremists, , e.g., those who have returned to the fold of the law in recent years. Official announcements were made that comprehensive aid would be extended to these relocated families to mitigate the adverse effects of the tremor.