MAWAB, Davao de Oro (October 16) — Military troops rushed to disaster zones across Eastern Mindanao after a powerful 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the Davao Region on October 10, killing at least four people and injuring dozens more.
The 10th Infantry “Agila” Division of the Philippine Army activated its disaster response protocols minutes after the quake and deployed search, rescue, and relief teams to the hardest-hit areas. An Emergency Response Company was sent to the Davao Oriental Provincial Hospital to support local medical teams, while Disaster Response Units fanned out to affected towns to clear roads and deliver aid.
Top military and disaster officials conducted an aerial rapid damage assessment aboard a Blackhawk S-70i helicopter to fast-track response operations.
Authorities confirmed three fatalities in Davao Oriental and one in Davao de Oro. Landslides, power outages, and heavy structural damage were reported in Monkayo, Montevista, and Pantukan.
Relief operations remain in full swing as the military works closely with local disaster units to reach more isolated communities.
“This is an all-hands response,” said Major General Allan Hambala, commander of the 10ID. “We will not stop until every community gets the help it needs.”
