EVACUATION. A number of people were rushed to the Davao del Sur Provincial Hospital in Digos City due to various injuries from fallen objects. Others also suffered hypertension, or panicked and fainted. Contributed photo from Nilo Cobrado
Bishop Jose Colin M. Bagaforo, after meeting with his Social Action Staff and Vicars this morning to assess the situation after yesterday’s earthquake and aftershocks, requested me to convey this urgent appeal:
The Diocese of Kidapawan has decided to do immediate relief work to serve evacuees either directly or in partnership with LGUs in the parishes of Mlang and Tulunan and other areas, especially bringing needed water and food. We need your kind assistance for us to do this. If it is more convenient for you to send needed help by sending financial assistance, please send your financial help to
Bank: BPI
Account Name: RCB Diocese of Kidapawan
Account Number: 008663-0571-55.
Brothers and sisters, let us be in solidarity with the suffering people in these areas. Let us help the Diocese of Kidapawan bring relief and comfort to the suffering people there.
Let us not forget to continue praying to the Lord for the suffering people in these areas that they may remain calm and alert, and that they may 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, continue to intercede for us, and accompany and watch over us always.
(Sgd.) + ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D.
Archbishop of Davao
President, Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines
30 October 2019
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Additional Background Information
After the strong earthquake yesterday morning, October 29 (NDRRMC info: magnitude 6.4, but now in the news is described as magnitude 6.6), we felt another strong aftershock at about 3 o’clock yesterday afternoon which sent us in the Archbishop’s Residence here in Davao City running out of the residence!
By now, we get much news reports about the damage and injuries brought about by the earthquake. Six (6) people are now reported killed.
Yesterday evening, I reached out to Archbishop Angelito R. Lampon of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, Bishop Jose Colin M. Bagaforo of the Diocese of Kidapawan, Bishop Cerilo U. Casicas of the Diocese of Marbel and Bishop Guillermo V. Afable of the Diocese of Digos for some more information from their end; and asking their feedback on the situation which could help us respond to the needs that they see.
Archbishop Lampon informed me last night that in Cotabato City, only small damage was reported. However, he pointed out major damage in the areas within the Diocese of Kidapawan.
Bishop Casicas texted me early this morning: “So far, the latest news here in our diocese is that there is one casualty. So far there is no major damage of building and infrastructure. Let us continue to pray for the safety of our people. Thanks for checking on us.”
Bishop Bagaforo texted me last night: “Yes, many houses are damaged in the parishes of Tulunan, Mlang, Makilala, Kidapawan City and Magpet. Families are now staying in gyms and in one-storey school buildings. Right now, the LGUs are quickly responding to the situation. Tomorrow, I will hold a special meeting with my social action staff and vicars to assess the situation and how best we can help. Surely, the needed repair and rebuilding of houses. Maybe, water and food? Continuing aftershocks every 15 or 30 minutes. People still on their toes.”
Thus, the Bishop of the Diocese of Kidapawan sent their appeal after their meeting this morning. See our appeal above.
(Sgd.) + ROMULO G. VALLES, D.D.
Archbishop of Davao
30 October 2019
