Palace urges public cooperation, starts substantive response to Surigao quake

MANILA –Malacañang on Saturday assured prompt and substantive action from the government in response to the 6.7-magnitude earthquake that hit Surigao del Norte.

Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar stressed that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office has prepositioned family food packs to geographically hard-to-reach areas.

“Concerned officials are now in Surigao City to conduct monitoring and damaged assessment. Rescue operations are ongoing with Quick Response Teams already mobilized,” Andanar said.

For his part, Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella urged the public to cooperate and to exercise caution.

“Let us continue in the spirit of bayanihan… we’ll be looking out for one another,” Abella said.

Abella also urged Surigaonons to avoid unsteady structures as there are still aftershocks following the major earthquake.

As for the DPWH, Abella said President Duterte wanted the DPWH to work as quickly as possible in clearing the debris for a faster delivery of relief goods to affected areas.

Meanwhile, Abella said President Duterte is a listening President. He said the President continues to listen to his peace advisers on next step regarding the peace process.

Abella said there seems to be a disconnect between communist leaders and those on the ground.

He added that confidence-building measures should be undertaken by the communists to show their sincerity in continuing the peace talks.

Abella also reminded the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as other law enforcement agencies of their main purpose, which is to serve the country and not their own pockets.

Abella echoed the President’s call for law enforcers to live simply and turn their backs on the tendency to live beyond their means. (PNA)

Last week, wayward police officers from the National Capital region Police Office (NCRPO) who are facing different administrative complaints received a tongue lashing from President Duterte.

The policemen were ordered to prepare to be reassigned to Basilan.