Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea on Saturday revealed that Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is set to lead relief efforts in earthquake-stricken parts of Mindanao.

In a statement, Medialdea said that the Defense chief was also tasked to ensure the safety of affected residents in the southern regions.

“I have tasked Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, as head of the Department of National Defense (DND) and Martial Law Administrator, to lead all relief efforts, and to ensure safety and security of the public in the earthquake-stricken areas of Mindanao,” Medialdea said.

Medialdea issued the directive on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is in Thailand to attend the 35th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit in Bangkok.

“The public is advised to coordinate directly with the DND and/or National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to ensure the efficient conduct of relief efforts, including the distribution of relief goods and rescue operations,” Medialdea said.