Manila, Oct. 10 -- The United Nations Philippines on Friday said it stands ready to dispatch necessary aid following the magnitude 7.4 earthquake that struck Davao Oriental on Friday.

In a press conference in Mandaluyong City, UN Philippines Resident Coordinator Arnaud Peral said relevant UN agencies are prepared to respond should the Philippine government request assistance.

"We just learned about the earthquake in Davao. We will obviously see if we will be asked to provide any kind of support, and we stand ready to provide support," he said.

"We are always in coordination with the government and local authorities in activating our networks in coordination with civil society organizations."

The UN team in the Philippines, he said, is...