US vows aid to victims of Davao de Oro earthquake

FILE PHOTO: United States Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin speaks during a news conference after a bilateral meeting with Philippines’ Defense officials at Camp Aguinaldo in this photo taken on July 30, 2021. Reuters file photo / Rolex Dela Pena

MANILA, Philippines — The United States vowed to provide assistance to the victims of the Davao de Oro earthquake, according to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III.

“We’re very sorry to learn that yesterday, there was an earthquake that happened in Mindanao,” Austin said during his courtesy visit with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday.

“We stand ready to help in any way that we can and again, I think our aid personnel are in the area and they stand ready to help to provide humanitarian assistance where and when possible. So please don’t hesitate to reach out,” he also said.

A magnitude 6 earthquake struck New Bataan town in Davao De Oro on Wednesday evening, according to state seismologists.

READ: Magnitude 6 earthquake rocks New Bataan town in Davao de Oro

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said “several minor injuries” were reported, while “only minor damages” were reported in the area, mostly on residential houses.

“The damage was not significant, at least that’s what we understand. We’ve not heard of significant injuries being reported as well but we know how these things develop,” he also said.

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