Classes suspended in Davao de Oro, Davao del Norte due to magnitude 6 tremor

DAVAO CITY – Classes were suspended in the provinces of Davao de Oro and Davao del Norte on Thursday, Feb. 2, after a strong earthquake jolted several parts of Mindanao on Wednesday evening, Feb. 1.

Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib announced the suspension of all classes in public and private schools shortly after a magnitude-six earthquake jolted the province to give way for the safety inspection of all school buildings as part of precautionary measure.

He said local government units would lift class suspensions after the school buildings are inspected.

Davao de Oro Gov. Dorothy P. Montejo-Gonzaga cancelled classes to ensure safety and security of students, including teaching and non-teaching personnel, pending structural assessment of all buildings by Department of Education in coordination with local government units.

The governor also suspended work in government offices, except for agencies that render services to disaster-affected areas such as the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, Social Welfare and Development Office, General Services Office, Provincial Health Office, Agriculturist Office, Veterinary Office, Provincial Engineer’s Office and Motorpool, Provincial Information and Communication Technology Office, and Provincial Information Office.

Revised information released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the epicenter of the tectonic earthquake at 6:44 p.m was reported nine kilometers southeast of Compostela in Davao de Oro, not in New Bataan as previously reported.

The tremor was felt at Intensity V in Compostela, Laak, Mabini, Maco, Maragusan, Mawab, Monkayo, Montevista, Nabunturan, New Bataan, and Pantukan, Davao de Oro; Asuncion, Braulio E. Dujali, Carmen, New Corella, Santo Tomas, and Tagum City, Davao del Norte; and Baganga, Banaybanay, Boston, Cateel, and Lupon, Davao Oriental;

Intensity IV in Kapalong, Panabo City, and Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte; Davao City; Caraga, Gov. Generoso, Manay, Mati City, San Isidro, and Tarragona, Davao Oriental; and Bislig City, Surigao del Sur;

Intensity III in Damulog, Kadingilan, Kalilangan, Libona, Pangantucan, and Talakag, Bukidnon; Cagayan de Oro City; San Isidro and Talaingod, Davao del Norte; Malungon, Sarangani; Tupi, South Cotabato; and Cagwait and Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur.