LAW ENFORCEMENT authorities across the Davao Region are urging the public to eliminate complacency and remain strictly vigilant as a wave of aftershocks continues to threaten shaken communities following Monday’s massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
The Police Regional Office (PRO) XI issued a safety advisory on Wednesday, warning citizens that the danger does not end when the initial shaking stops.
Police officials emphasized that post-disaster evaluation at the household and community levels is critical to preventing secondary casualties.
“Pagkatapos ng lindol, huwag magkumpyansa — laging suriin ang kaligtasan ng bawat isa (After the earthquake, do not be complacent — always check everyone’s safety),” PRO XI stated in its regional dispatch.
The regional police command outlined crucial safety protocols that residents must immediately observe, particularly when traversing or inspecting properties:
- Utility Inspections: Promptly check surroundings for hazardous gas leaks, ruptured lines, or exposed, damaged electrical cables that could trigger fires.
- Structural Avoidance: Heavily steer clear of cracked walls, shattered glass, or visibly compromised commercial and residential buildings.
- Continuous Readiness: Maintain an evacuation-ready mindset as secondary tectonic shifts and aftershocks can cause already-weakened structures to collapse.
- Official Channels Only: Rely exclusively on verified updates and instructions broadcast by legitimate government disaster councils and authorities to prevent the spread of panic and misinformation.
PRO XI emphasized that public safety remains a collective effort, calling on Davaoeños to exhibit localized discipline while structural engineers and first responders finish mapping out high-risk zones.
“Ang kaligtasan ay responsibilidad nating lahat. Maging alerto, disiplinado, at laging handa (Safety is everyone’s responsibility. Be alert, disciplined, and always prepared),” the regional police command added.
Photo from PRO XI Facebook page
