(UPDATED) A man died while at least 43 others were wounded when a magnitude 6.6 earthquake hit parts of Mindanao on Tuesday morning, October 29.
In an initial report, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said the fatality was identified as Nestor Narciso, 66.
He was struck by falling debris in Koronadal City in South Cotabato.
The quake was plotted at 25 kilometers southeast of Tulunan, North Cotabato at a depth of seven kilometers at 9:04 a.m. Tuesday. It was the second tremor to hit the same area in about two weeks.
The first earthquake, which was also shallow at a depth of eight kilometers, was recorded at a lesser magnitude of 6.3 on October 16.
Seven people were killed while numerous structures and infrastructure facilities sustained damage.
The NDRRMC said the quake this time caused injuries to 30 individuals in Kidapawan City and 13 in M’lang, North Cotabato.
The agency said 23 local government units in Mindanao suspended classes following the tremor.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Archie Gamboa ordered Tuesday the immediate mobilization of all police units in the areas affected by the earthquake.
“The PNP urges the people in Mindanao to remain calm and composed in view of the magnitude 6.6 earthquake that jolted parts of regions 9, 10, 11, and 12,” PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac said in a statement.
“PNP OIC, PLtGen Archie Francisco Gamboa has directed all Directors of said Police Regional Offices to immediately mobilize their respective units and personnel to respond to calls for help, provide necessary assistance in coordination with their respective LGUs [local government units] and RDRRMCs [Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council], and prevent occurrence of crimes,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)