FOLLOWING a strong quake that hit some parts of Luzon, Malacañang on Monday, April 22, called on public to stay calm and avoid propagating disinformation that would only bring “alarm, panic, and stress to many people.”
A 6.1-magnitude earthquake, which rocked Castillejos, Zambales on Monday afternoon, was also felt in other parts of Luzon, causing damage in affected areas and panic among the public.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo allayed fears of those affected by the quake, assuring that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology is closely monitoring the situation.
“We ask the public to remain calm but vigilant and we urge them to refrain from spreading disinformation in social media that may cause undue alarm, panic and stress to many people,” Panelo said in a statement.
“We call upon our citizen’s innate Bayanihan spirit and request their cooperation, patience and understanding in this time of need,” he added.
Panelo guaranteed that concerned government agencies are ready to provide assistance in quake-hit areas.
He said the current administration would respond to the needs of those who have been affected by the earthquake.
“We assure our people that concerned agencies of the government are already responding and assisting those in troubled conditions and shall continue to do so for as long as necessary,” he said.
He noted that first responders from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, Office of Civil Defense, the Philippine National Police, affected Local Government Units, and other related agencies are “cooperating and coordinating on the ground to look after the needs of our citizens.”
He added that the Transportation and Energy departments are on “full alert” to respectively address issues on disruption of transportation services and power supply interruptions. (SunStar Philippines)