The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Wednesday assured the public that all airports and seaports in the Central Visayas region, including those in Cebu, remain safe and fully operational following a magnitude 6.9 earthquake.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. immediately instructed the DOTr to inspect all transportation facilities to ensure the safety of personnel and passengers.
“Inspection results confirmed no visible damage was sustained in our airports and ports. All staff and passengers are safe, and transport services continue as normal,” the DOTr said in a statement.
Acting DOTr Secretary Giovanni Lopez confirmed that the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Philippine Ports Authority conducted immediate inspections.
“Our colleagues from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and the Philippine Ports Authority immediately inspected our airports and ports in the Visayas after the earthquake. So far, no damage has been reported, so our service to passengers continues. However, we will continue to monitor all DOTr facilities,” Lopez said.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will deploy the patrol vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua to affected areas in Cebu, carrying doctors, nurses, medics and basic emergency equipment.
The PCG will also send eight search-and-rescue K9 units and water desalinators to help address water supply issues, especially in hospitals and evacuation centers.
The DOTr said it is closely monitoring the situation and is in constant coordination with local authorities and relevant agencies.
