Marcos orders full gov’t response after deadly Cebu quake

Metro Manila, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed sympathy to victims of the deadly earthquake in northern Cebu, saying government agencies have been fully deployed to carry out rescue efforts, assess damage, and restore vital services.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones. My prayers are with the injured and everyone affected,” Marcos said in a statement.

He said Cabinet officials were dispatched to Cebu to provide aid and inspect the impact of the magnitude 6.9 tremor and aftershocks.

The president said the Department of Public Works and Highways is checking roads and bridges, while the Department of Energy is working to restore power. The Department of Health has deployed more personnel to hospitals, and the Department of Social Welfare and Development is distributing food and relief supplies.

The Bureau of Fire Protection is assisting in search-and-rescue operations, while the Philippine National Police is helping maintain order, Marcos said.

He said the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council are coordinating the overall government response.

Marcos called on residents to remain cautious and follow advisories from local authorities.