(Anadolu photo)
MANILA – The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) is now coordinating with other government agencies for rescue personnel and equipment that could be deployed to Türkiye which was hit by a magnitude 7.8 earthquake on Monday.
"Currently, OCD is coordinating with concerned agencies and mustering available manpower and equipment for possible deployment according to the request of Türkiye," OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel F. Nepomuceno said in a statement late Monday night.
He also added that the Philippines, through the OCD and other member agencies of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, is prepared to extend necessary assistance to the earthquake-hit country.
This came as the Turkish Embassy in Manila formally requested assistance in the form of emergency medical and urban search and rescue teams.
More than 3,000 people were killed and thousands of others were reported hurt in the first onslaught of the tremor.
The OCD also extended sympathies to the victims and their families.
As this developed, the Philippine Institute for Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) assured the public that the earthquake will have no effect on the Philippines.
"The earthquake in Turkey will not affect us as the active fault that caused the magnitude 7.8 earthquake is too far away and not connected to our active faults," Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. explained.
Nepomuceno, meanwhile, reminded the public to be prepared, alert and well-informed in case of an earthquake of similar magnitude that might occur in the country.
"Again, the Republic of the Philippines is one with the whole international community in extending its sympathies and condolences to the Republic of Türkiye. Our prayers are with those who are still missing as a result of this tragic event," Nepomuceno said.
Meanwhile, Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) chief Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. also extended his sympathies to the citizens of Türkiye and Syria who were affected by the disaster.
"On behalf of the OPAPRU (and) His Excellency, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr., and the Filipino people, I convey our deepest sympathies to the citizens of Türkiye and Syria who fell victim to the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit yesterday, February 6, 2023," he added in a statement Tuesday.
Galvez said they were deeply saddened by this tragedy that has claimed the lives of thousands in the affected countries.
He added that their prayers go out to the bereaved families, as well as those who are still waiting to be rescued and recovering in hospitals.
"As members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Türkiye and Syria have supported the Philippine government in its pursuit of a just and lasting peace for the nation, particularly in helping push forward the Bangsamoro peace process," Galvez, who is also acting Defense Secretary, said.
Galvez said the Philippines is ready to assist the governments of Türkiye and Syria in whatever way possible.
"We shall continue to pray for the safety and protection of their people, as we stand united with other countries during this most difficult time," he added. (PNA)
