Manila, June 8 -- Safety of learners will be prioritized over the resumption of classes in earthquake-hit schools in Mindanao, the Department of Education (DepEd) assured on Monday.

More than 3.2 million learners, 128,000 teachers and personnel are initially affected in Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao, Soccsksargen and Caraga following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake, and succeeding aftershocks in parts of Mindanao, according to the agency.

The DepEd stressed that the topmost priority during disasters is the safety of lives, under the Guidelines on Learning Continuity in Emergencies.

"We understand the concern of our parents, teachers, and learners. Kapag ligtas na ang lahat, saka natin ipagpapatuloy ang pag-aaral. Kaligtas...