6 dead in Mindanao quake

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Office of Civil Defense are closely monitoring the situation in Mindanao following the 6.6 magnitude earthquake that hit the region centered in Tulunan, Cotabato.

Malacanang spokesman Sec. Salvador Panelo said all concerned government agencies have been mobilized to undertake rapid situational assessment and to coordinate rescue and relief operations.

At least six persons had been reported killed in the temblor, with a still undetermined number of people injured.

“We urge them to refrain from spreading disinformation that may cause undue alarm, panic and stress to many people,” Panelo said. “We also urge them to monitor developments through the alerts and bulletins of official govenerment channels.”

The quake, which has a depth of eight kilometers, hit at 9:04 a.m. Phivolcs said it is expecting damages and afteshocks following the massive tremblor.