The city government of Davao has fully mobilized emergency response teams following the strong earthquake that struck the Davao Region on Friday morning.
A powerful earthquake struck Davao City and the Davao Region and according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), the epicenter was located off Manay, Davao Oriental, with a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale.
The temblor was strongly felt across Davao City, neighboring provinces and even in the Visayas.
In an official statement, the city government said personnel from the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), City Health Office (CHO), City Engineering Office (CEO), and the Office of the City Building Official (OCBO) have been dispatched to conduct rapid assessments of public and private structures and to assist affected residents.
The CDRRMO is also closely monitoring coastal areas and coordinating with national and local agencies in anticipation of possible aftershocks.
Teams from the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) remain on standby to support any relief and evacuation operations that may be required.
Authorities assured the public that response efforts are ongoing, emphasizing the city’s commitment to ensuring the safety and welfare of all Dabawenyos.
Meanwhile, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) launched an innovative aerial structural survey using drone technology to assess possible damage and ensure public safety.
DCPO acting Director Col. Mannan C. Muarip implemented the “Eye in the Sky Patrol” drones and were deployed immediately after the quake to conduct rapid and comprehensive inspections of critical infrastructure, commercial areas, and residential zones across the city.
Muarip said the initiative aimed to identify structural vulnerabilities, support emergency response operations, and coordinate with local government units for prompt interventions where needed.
He said the DCPO continues to work closely with disaster management agencies and engineering teams to validate its aerial assessments and implement appropriate safety and mitigation measures.
He also emphasized that the use of drone technology enhances situational awareness and speeds up post-disaster evaluations, reinforcing Davao City’s commitment to efficient and modern emergency response.
