Photo courtesy of Veritas 846
Please pray for us, pray for our people in the Diocese of Kidapawan, Archdiocese of Cotabato, Diocese of Marbel, Diocese of Digos, Archdiocese of Davao, Diocese of Tagum and Diocese of Mati. Today, Tuesday, October 29, a strong earthquake struck our area around 9 o’clock this morning (NDRRMC info: a magnitude 6.4 earthquake with epicenter in Tulunan, Cotabato/Diocese of Kidapawan).
Here in Davao City, many people ran out from buildings and homes. We at the Archbishop’s Residence here in Davao City all ran out of the residence building for safety. Classes in all schools are suspended. We do not have yet a good picture of the possible damage and injuries that this earthquake may have caused. Some initial information we received: one big modern building here in Davao City, fairly new, suffered serious damage. We also received two (2) reported deaths: one in Koronadal City, South Cotabato (Diocese of Marbel) and one in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur (Diocese of Digos).
Please pray to the Lord that we may remain calm and alert. And pray also that we will continue to care and be watchful and concerned for each other during this time of fear and anxiety.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Mother, accompany and watch over us always.
+ ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D.
Archbishop of Davao
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
29 October 2019
