The social action arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has expressed solidarity with the people of Masbate who bore the brunt of a magnitude 6.6 earthquake Tuesday.
(AFP PHOTO / Courtesy of Jake Gabilan / MANILA BULLETIN)
"We are in solidarity with the people of Masbate. We know how it is to experience an earthquake," Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, national director of the CBCP National Secretariat for Social Action Justice & Peace/Caritas Philippines, told church-run Radio Veritas, Wednesday.
"We appeal for everyone to stay calm and let’s help one another," he added.
In a Facebook post, NASSA also called on the faithful to pray for Masbate during this time.
"The Catholic Church, through NASSA/Caritas Philippines and the Social Action Network, appeal to everyone for your prayers and solidarity amid these very trying times," read the post.
Kidapawan Bishop Bagaforo, meantime, said they are ready to assist those affected by the quake.
He added that they are already coordinating with the social action center of the Diocese of Masbate to know the needs of those affected and how they can provide it.
"We at NASSA are ready to assist the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Masbate as they are planning now on how and what reliefs and emergency assistance they can extend to many, who may have been displaced," Bagaforo said.
The magnitude 6.6 quake that hit Masbate destroyed several homes and buildings and also displaced thousands of residents.