MANGUDADATU
DAVAO CITY – Gov. Datu Pax Ali Mangudadatu suspended classes and work in government offices due to the magnitude-5.3 earthquake that jolted Sultan Kudarat and nearby areas on Tuesday, Jan. 20.
Mangudadatu issued the directive as aftershocks are expected from the tectonic tremor with an epicenter 43 kilometers southwest of Kalamansig town, Sultan Kudarat.
He directed concerned agencies to conduct rapid assessment of damage to schools, offices, critical facilities, and infrastructure.
The governor encouraged schools to implement alternative remote or modular learning arrangements where feasible.
Mangudadatu urged his constituents to remain calm but alert and follow official emergency and safety protocols.
He activated the Provincial Emergency Operations Center (PEOC) to coordinate with national or regional disaster management authorities, police, fire, health, and humanitarian partners.
Mangudadatu appealed to people to refrain from spreading unverified information.
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said there was no immediate damage, but residents were warned to remain alert as aftershocks may still occur.