Palace: Government ready to assist Samar quake victims

THE Duterte government is ready to assist the victims of a 6.5-magnitude earthquake that struck Eastern Samar on Tuesday afternoon, April 23, Malacañang said.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo gave the assurance, after another powerful temblor hit parts of Visayas, in the wake of a strong quake that rocked Luzon on Monday, April 22.

"We assure our people that the government is on top of the situation and we are ready to respond anywhere and anytime in light of another strong earthquake that hit Eastern Samar this afternoon," Panelo said in a statement.

"Concerned disaster agencies of the government, including those involved in the provision of basic and health services, are now working round the clock to ensure government service delivery remains unhampered," he added.

A 6.5-magnitude quake rocked San Julian, Eastern Samar, less than a day after an earthquake jolted Luzon.

Panelo urged all local government executives to be "on standby."

"Let us set aside politics for the time being and let the true spirit of unity, cooperation and humanitarianism prevail," the Palace official said. (SunStar Philippines)