Senator Christopher “Bong” Go dispatched his Malasakit Team to Manay and Tarragona Davao Oriental to deliver relief and financial aid to residents affected by the recent strong earthquakes that struck Mindanao.

The assistance comes after a “doublet earthquake,” measuring magnitudes 7.4 and 6.8, hit on 10 October. The epicenter was located in Manay, part of the senator’s home province.

“To the victims, do not worry. As I have said before, property can be bought, money can be earned, but a lost life is a lost life forever. Let us protect and take care of everyone’s life and health,” Go said.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that 1,281 aftershocks, ranging from magnitude 1.2 to 5.8, have been recorded since the initial tremor. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has reported eight fatalities and 2,575 damaged houses across the region.

In Manay, Go’s team distributed 1,000 relief packs at the municipal gym and provided financial aid and supplies to 59 beneficiaries in the hard-hit areas of Puroks Buan and Magamay. In Tarragona, 200 beneficiaries received relief goods, with some also given water containers.

The team also visited the wakes of two casualties, Wilmarita Alfaro and Arturo Sarvida Sr., providing their bereaved families with financial aid, food packs and other supplies.

To support local recovery efforts, the Malasakit Team turned over financial assistance to the local governments of Manay and Tarragona, which was received by Mayor Jon Marco Dayanghirang and Mayor Samuel Uy, respectively.

Go also stressed the importance of stronger disaster preparedness, citing Republic Act 12076, or the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which he principally authored. The law mandates the establishment of safe, disaster-resilient evacuation centers in every city and municipality.