Aftershocks rock Davao areas

MANILA, Philippines — Moderate aftershocks of magnitudes 5.8 and 5.2 yesterday rocked the town of Manay in Davao Oriental, where a powerful “doublet earthquake” occurred last week, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Phivolcs said the magnitude 5.8 aftershock occurred at 10 a.m. with its epicenter located 101 kilometers northeast of Manay.

Instrumental Intensity 1 was registered in Davao City and Digos in Davao del Sur, Malita and Sta. Maria in Davao Occidental, Nabunturan in Davao de Oro and Malungon (Sarangani).

The second aftershock occurred at 10:39 a.m. with its epicenter located 25 kilometers northeast of Manay.

Instrumental Intensity 2 was recorded in Nabunturan.

As of noon yesterday, state seismologists had recorded 1,303 aftershocks, 618 of which were plotted and 18 felt, with magnitudes ranging from 1.2 to 5.8.

President Marcos on Monday visited Davao Oriental, bringing with him additional relief assistance to the earthquake victims.

Marcos assured local chief executives that aid would continue until every earthquake-displaced family recovers, according to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian.

Marcos and Gatchalian checked the condition of families staying in evacuation centers in Tarragona.

Aside from food packs, some families received P10,000 each in cash assistance.

Gatchalian gave assurance that the DSWD would continue to assist all people affected by quakes and typhoons that recently battered several areas in the country.

Meanwhile, entry into one of the oldest buildings of the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) has been restricted as a safety precaution.

“Following an assessment conducted by ADDU structural engineers and officials of the Office of the City Building, Finster Hall has been placed under restricted use as a safety precaution,” the Ateneo de Davao said in a statement.

Finster Hall is one of the university’s oldest and most storied buildings. It has withstood several disasters.

“This temporary restriction gives us the chance to care for and ensure the continued safety of Finster Hall so it may remain as a space for learning, formation and community life for generations of Ateneans to come,” the university said.

Results of the assessment showed that the structural integrity of the building remained intact. The ongoing work would focus only on repairs to architectural and auxiliary components of the hall, it added.

In a memorandum, Ateneo de Davao president Fr. Karel San Juan said that learning and work will remain asynchronous in all units from Oct. 11 to 18, to allow flexibility and recovery, especially for those whose homes or families were affected by the earthquake.

UAE aids Cebu quake victims

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent assistance to approximately 40,000 families displaced by the 6.9 earthquake that struck the northern part of Cebu.

The delivery of relief assistance was facilitated by the UAE embassy in coordination with relevant agencies and local authorities, and in support of government efforts to mitigate the impact of the disaster.

“The UAE’s response reflects the country’s humanitarian efforts and its global commitment toward communities impacted by natural disasters and crises. It also underscores UAE’s dedication to alleviating humanitarian suffering, accelerating early recovery and reinforcing stability,” the embassy said. — Jose Rodel Clapano, Bella Cariaso, Pia Lee-Brago