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DPWH ordered to inspect infrastructures after quake hits southern Mindanao

Lade Jean Kabagani · Nov 17, 2023, 11:21 PM

A ceiling was damaged at a shopping mall in General Santos City in South Cotabato after a strong earthquake shook the southern Mindanao. Photo by Handout / Shaira Ann Sandigan-Rodrigo / AFP

Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. has instructed the Department of Public Works and Highways to immediately inspect and assess the damages to infrastructures in General Santos City and in other parts of southern Mindanao badly hit by the magnitude 6.8 earthquake on Friday afternoon.

"While there are only minor damage apparent now, it is important to ensure that no structural damage were sustained by buildings and bridges," Revilla, who chairs the Senate committee on public works, said in a statement on Friday night.

"Kaya nga agad nating inatasan ang DPWH na siguruhing ligtas ang mga struktura," he continued.

Phivolcs earlier reported an undersea tectonic tremor occurred at a depth of 72 kilometers and 34 km northwest of Sarangani Island in Davao Occidental around 4:14 p.m.

Revilla likewise urged the DPWH to conduct a continuous assessment of vital public infrastructures throughout the country, to assure the public's safety amid the expected aftershocks from the tremor.