House Speaker Isabela 6th district Rep. Faustino "Bojie" Dy III has hailed the immediate directive of President Marcos for all concerned government agencies to mobilize and respond to the the powerful magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck off the coast of Sarangani province.

The earthquake down south triggered tsunami warnings and was felt in large parts of Mindanao.

“We are grateful that President Marcos has already directed all relevant government agencies to act immediately. This whole-of-government approach is crucial in ensuring that rescue, relief and response operations are carried out quickly and effectively," Dy said in a statement Monday, June 8 as officials scrambled to assess the damage dealt to properties as well as possible casualties.

Dy assured affected communities that the House of Representatives stands ready to support emergency response and recovery efforts, including any measures needed to provide assistance to families, local governments, and sectors that may be affected by the disaster.

"The House of Representatives stands in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in Mindanao. We are prepared to support all necessary efforts to help affected communities recover and rebuild," said the fourth highest official of the land.

"Ang mahalaga ngayon ay ang kaligtasan ng bawat Pilipino at ang agarang pagtugon sa kanilang pangangailangan," Dy underscored.

(What matters now is the safety of every Filipino and the immediate response to their needs.)

Authorities also warned of possible damage and strong aftershocks following the earthquake.

“Our foremost concern at this time is the safety and well-being of our fellow Filipinos in Mindanao," the Speaker said.

"I urge everyone, especially those in coastal and low-lying communities, to heed the warnings and instructions of authorities. Please evacuate immediately when directed and prioritize your safety and that of your families,” Dy said in a message to the affected people in Midnanao.

The House chief from Isabela also called on local government units (LGUs), disaster response agencies, uniformed personnel, volunteers and community leaders to work closely together to ensure the orderly evacuation of residents and the swift delivery of assistance where needed.

“Sa ganitong mga pagkakataon, mahalaga ang mabilis na koordinasyon at pagtutulungan. Nananawagan tayo sa lahat ng LGUs, emergency responders, volunteers at mga lider ng komunidad na tiyaking ligtas ang ating mga kababayan at maayos ang pagresponde sa anumang pangangailangan sa mga apektadong lugar,” he said.

(In situations like these, swift coordination and cooperation are crucial. We call on all LGUs, emergency responders, volunteers, and community leaders to ensure the safety of our fellow citizens and to respond properly to any needs in affected areas.)

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned that tsunami waves of more than one meter above normal tide levels may affect several coastal provinces, including Sarangani, Davao Occidental, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, Basilan, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay, Sultan Kudarat and South Cotabato.