President Duterte Instructs Mindanao LGUs to Scrutinize Structures Following Successive Quakes

RTVM Facebook Page Screenshot

DAVAO CITY—President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday ordered local government units (LGUs) to thoroughly inspect buildings in their areas for damages following the strong earthquakes that hit several cities across Mindanao to ensure public safety.

President Duterte’s home in Davao City was not spared by the temblors, which showed some cracks due to successive shaking of the ground. His home will be subjected to thorough assessment by engineers.

“Well, it is time for the LGUs to inspect all buildings. Umpisahan na nila ngayon. Just to be here and do what you can do for your countrymen,” said President Duterte during a press conference following his visit to the mausoleum of his deceased parents at the Wireless Cemetery (Roman Catholic Cemetery) here.

The President advised those who are staying in buildings that “are not fit for human habitation” to thoroughly inspect the structures for cracks and other signs of damage particularly infrastructures built using substandard materials.

“Ang akin, tingnan nilang mabuti because lalo na ‘yung mga may semento. If there are so many cracks and the cracks are really big,” he said.

“An indication that it is already really an old structure or a structure which was built not in accordance with law. Kaya na-ano ito — madidisgrasya. Lalo na kung magtipid ka sa semento, patay.”

The President said he is putting his trust on local government offices to keep their respective cities safe particularly during the time he is out of the country to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and Related Summits in Thailand. The chief executive leaves for Thailand Friday.

Nobody can prevent an earthquake from occurring, he said, adding he does not want disasters to happen when he is not around.

There were three confirmed deaths and several injuries after a third in a series of strong earthquakes this month shook Mindanao again Thursday morning.

The epicenter of the 6.5 magnitude quake was near Makilala town, Cotabato province in Mindanao and was about 10 kilometers deep, according to the US Geological survey.