Filtered By: Topstories

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has raised the alert status of its Operations Center to red, and activated response clusters to assign lead agencies to manage response operations.

In a statement released Sunday, the NDRRMC said the response clusters were activated at 12:00 p.m. on Friday in response to the major earthquakes in Manay, Davao Oriental.

The NDRRMC is administered by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD). The raising of red alert status tasks the OCD to take charge of logistics and early recovery, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for food and non-food items, camp coordination and management, and internally displaced persons protection.

“Raising the status to the highest alert level required duty officers from the AFP, the PNP, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), as well as technical personnel from the DILG, DSWD, DPWH, and DOH to render duty at the physical operations center in Camp Aguinaldo. Other concerned agencies joined the emergency operations via a virtual platform,” the OCD said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is tasked to lead search, rescue, and retrieval operations, the Department of Health (DOH) on health concerns, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on law and order, and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) on crisis communications.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) is ordered to lead in emergency telecommunications, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on debris cleaning and civil works, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) on shelter.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is on standby for Philippine international humanitarian assistance, and the OCD for early recovery.

This comes as the NDRRM Operations Center also raised its alert status to red, requiring duty officers from the AFP, PNP, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to render duty at the physical operations in Camp Aguinaldo.

Also mandated are technical personnel from the DILG, the DSWD, the DPWH, and DOH.

“I have directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all concerned agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local governments,” the President was quoted as saying.

Review of contingency plans

The Defense Secretary has also ordered the enhancement of earthquake preparedness across the country, and the review of local contingency plans following the recent earthquakes that hit Cebu and Davao.

According to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Secretary called for the review of local contingency plans to ensure that all disaster protocols of local government units (LGUs) within their areas of responsibility (AOR) are validated and updated.

They were also urged to hold wide-scale earthquake drills, specifically in public areas including schools, government offices, and other facilities to strengthen safety readiness.

“For areas that were not hit by the earthquake, please tell the LGUs to review or practice their earthquake drill protocols,” the Secretary was quoted as saying.

This comes as a magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck offshore Manay, Davao Oriental on October 10, followed by a magnitude 6.8 offshore earthquake.

A magnitude 4.4 earthquake also occurred on October 9, while a magnitude 6.0 earthquake occurred late Saturday night on October 11.

Before these, the strongest earthquake ever recorded in the area occurred on October 1, with a depth of 5 kilometers and tectonic in origin.

Latest data from the OCD shows that the earthquakes have affected 125,283 families or 491,258 individuals in the Davao Region and Caraga, with eight reported deaths and 395 injuries. Total estimated damages were pegged at P100 million.

Some areas

Camp Aguinaldo

Camp Aguinaldo is a major military base in Quezon City, Philippines, which serves as the headquarters of the Department of National Defense. It was established in 1935 and named after Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines. The camp is historically significant as a key site during the 1986 People Power Revolution that ousted the Marcos regime.

Cebu

Cebu is a vibrant province in the Philippines, widely recognized as the country’s oldest city and the first Spanish settlement. Its history dates back to 1521 with the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan, who introduced Christianity and met his end in the Battle of Mactan. Today, it is a major economic hub and tourist destination, famous for its historical landmarks like the Magellan’s Cross and the Basilica del Santo Niño.

Davao Oriental

Davao Oriental is a province in the southeastern part of Mindanao, Philippines, known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the UNESCO-listed Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary. Historically, the area was inhabited by various indigenous groups long before Spanish colonization, with its official establishment as a province occurring in 1967 when it was separated from Davao Province. It is a region celebrated for its rich biodiversity, pristine beaches, and the iconic Aliwagwag Falls.

Manay

I am unable to find any notable cultural or historical site specifically known as “Manay.” It is possible this refers to a lesser-known local place or there may be a spelling variation. Could you please provide more context or check the spelling of the name?

Davao Region

The Davao Region, located in southeastern Mindanao, is a culturally diverse area historically inhabited by various indigenous groups like the Bagobo and Mandaya. Its modern development was significantly shaped by the influx of migrants from other parts of the Philippines and the establishment of large-scale banana and pineapple plantations in the 20th century. Today, it is a major economic hub and a gateway to natural wonders, most notably being the home of Mount Apo, the country’s highest peak.

Caraga

Caraga is an administrative region in the northeastern part of the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. Its name is derived from the Visayan word “Kalag,” meaning “spirit” or “soul,” and it has a history dating back to pre-colonial times when it was known for its brave inhabitants. Today, the region is known for its rich natural resources, including vast forests and mineral reserves, as well as the famous Enchanted River in Hinatuan.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) is the Philippines’ central organization responsible for ensuring safety from natural and human-induced hazards. It was established to consolidate the country’s disaster management efforts, evolving from previous civil defense structures to address the nation’s high vulnerability to typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions. The council coordinates preparedness, response, and rehabilitation efforts across various government agencies and local levels.

Office of Civil Defense

The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is a Philippine government agency responsible for ensuring the protection and welfare of the people during disasters and emergencies. It was originally established in the 1970s and has evolved to become the lead organization for disaster risk reduction and management, coordinating national efforts for preparedness, response, and recovery.