Manila, Oct. 1 -- Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), on Wednesday ordered mobilization of all personnel and resources to maximize the assistance to all affected residents after Tuesday night's magnitude 6.9 earthquake that jolted the province of Cebu.

Aside from responding to the needs of the affected residents in coordination with local government units (LGUs), Nartatez said policemen were tasked to help secure establishments and vital infrastructure that may have been compromised as a result of the strong earthquake to ensure public safety.

"Our personnel on the ground were among the first responders and we assure the people of Cebu that we will extend all the necessary assist...