The public is also urged to refrain from spreading disinformation that may cause undue alarm and panic. #DavaoSurQuake

A collapsed building with trikes squeezed underneath after a 6.8- magnitude earthquake hit the town of Padada in Davao del Sur. (Photo by FERDINANDH CABRERA / AFP)

The Office of the President requests everyone to remain calm but stay vigilant in anticipation of aftershocks after another strong earthquake hit many parts of Mindanao on Sunday afternoon, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said.

In a statement, Panelo said they also likewise ask the public to refrain from spreading disinformation that may cause undue alarm and panic among affected communities.

Panelo said the Executive Branch, through the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), together with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), is closely monitoring the situation in Davao del Sur after a 6.9-magnitude earthquake hit the area at 2:11 p.m. this Sunday.

“All concerned agencies of the government have been mobilized to respond to the present conditions and provide immediate assistance to those in need,” Panelo said.

Earlier, the Palace official said President Rodrigo Duterre is doing okay following the tremor in Matanao.

The quake was felt at Intensity 7 in Matanao and Magsaysay, Davao del Sur and Intensity 6 in Kidapawan City, General Santos City, Bansalan in Davao del Sur, Alabel and Malapatan in Sarangani and Koronadal City.

Intensity 5 was felt in Tulunan and Matalam in Cotabato, Cotabato City, Davao City, Glan in Sarangani; Intensity 3 in Kalilangan, Talakag and Dangcagan in Bukidnon; Intensity 2 in Impasugong in Bukidnon, Cagayan de Oro City and Dipolog City; and Intensity I in Zamboanga del Sur.

Panelo said the President was in his house in Davao City with his daughter Kitty when the earthquake struck.

First Lady Honeylet Avanceña was on her way home when the ground rumbled and trembled. She said the car she was riding was swaying. They are unhurt.

Meanwhile, Maritime Industry Authority OIC Narciso Vingson Jr. said the regional offices in Davao City and General Santos City reported no casualty and damage from the earthquake.

Philippine Coast Guard Commandant Joel Garcia said all Coast Guard District South Eastern Mindanao stations reported no casualty and damage in their areas. Garcia advised them to coordinate with their directors for needed search and rescue assistance.