Manila, Oct. 10 -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assured that the government is assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring public safety following the powerful earthquake that jolted Davao Oriental province on Friday.

In a statement, the Chief Executive said he has directed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, the Office of Civil Defense, the Armed Forces, the Philippine Coast Guard, and all concerned agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas, activate emergency communication lines, and coordinate closely with local governments.

"Search, rescue, and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of Social Welfare an...