Senator Bong Go expresses deep concern for Mindanao following powerful earthquake

October 13, 2025

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed profound concern and sorrow following the strong earthquake that struck the Davao Region on Friday, October 10. The senator, who hails from Davao Oriental, recounted his own experience during the tremor and urgently called for unity, prayer, and swift government action to help affected communities recover.

“Mga kababayan ko, magdasal po tayo, magtulungan po tayo. Ako po’y nalulungkot sa nabalitaan ko po kanina na napakalakas po na lindol dito sa Mindanao, sa Davao Region,” Go said, urging Filipinos to come together in the spirit of compassion and solidarity.

He shared that he personally felt the earthquake while in the region. “Ako po mismo kanina, saksi po ako. Napakalakas talaga, nasa kalye po kami, umaalog yung sasakyan. Ako po’y nababahala, nalulungkot… magdasal po tayo,” he added.

The epicenter of the earthquake, according to data, was located in Manay, Davao Oriental—his own home province. “Ang epicenter po ay sa Manay, Davao Oriental. Ako rin po’y taga-Davao Oriental,” he remarked, expressing his concern for fellow Davaoeños who might have been affected.

Based on official reports from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), the magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck offshore near Manay, Davao Oriental, at a depth of approximately 20 kilometers. The tremor triggered tsunami warnings in coastal areas, prompting residents in low-lying communities to evacuate to higher ground. These warnings were later lifted after no major waves were recorded.

Authorities confirmed that the strong quake was followed by a second major seismic event later that evening — a magnitude 6.9 earthquake that also shook several provinces across Southern Mindanao. PHIVOLCS clarified that the 6.9 tremor was not an aftershock but a separate “doublet” earthquake, occurring within the same tectonic system along the Philippine Trench.

Damage assessments are ongoing, with reports of cracked roads, damaged buildings, and power interruptions in several provinces. Local authorities confirmed multiple casualties, along with residents sustaining minor injuries during the tremors and ensuing panic. Evacuation centers were opened in affected areas, and disaster response teams were deployed to clear debris, restore access roads, and provide immediate relief to displaced families.

Go then assured that his office, through the Malasakit Team, was already preparing to extend assistance. “Nagdadasal po tayo na wala pong nasaktan, at bukas po ang aking opisina. Tutulong kaagad ang aking Malasakit Team, handang tumulong sa abot ng aming makakaya. Ang pinagdadasal natin ay walang nasaktan, at maka-recover kaagad ang ating mga kababayan. Makabalik kaagad sa normal na pamumuhay,” Go said.

The senator emphasized the need for close coordination among national and local agencies to ensure the rapid delivery of essential aid to communities in need. “We will be closely coordinating with local authorities at nakikiusap po ako sa ating mga national government agencies — mga pagkain, itulong kaagad; yung mga ayuda, itulong kaagad; sa Department of Energy, ibalik kaagad yung mga naputol na kuryente; mga nasirang daan sa DPWH, please lang, bigyan ninyo ito ng prayoridad,” he urged.

Go also appealed to relevant agencies to immediately deploy medical teams and relief workers to affected areas. “At sa DOH naman po, mga gamot, mga doctors agad pong ma-deploy sa mga evacuation centers. Sa DSWD rin po, kailangan maibigay kaagad yung mga pangangailangan na mga pagkain. Dapat po’y walang magutom na mga kababayan natin,” he said.

He underscored the Filipino spirit of bayanihan — mutual aid and compassion — in facing disasters. “Magtulungan po tayo. Dasal po ang kailangan sa ngayon, at kilala naman po ang mga Pilipino sa pakikipag-tulungan,” Go noted.

The senator acknowledged the series of recent earthquakes that have hit various parts of the country, expressing concern over their increasing frequency. “Nakakalungkot po, nakakabahala na panay sunod-sunod na po ang lindol na nangyayari sa ating bansa. Ingat po tayo, mga kababayan ko,” he said.

As a reminder to the public, Go reiterated the importance of following the guidance of local authorities and disaster officials to ensure safety. “Lumikas kaagad sa ligtas na lugar, pag merong mga paalala ang ating awtoridad, sumunod kaagad na lumikas sa mga ligtas na lugar. Importante safe po ang ating mga kababayan,” he reminded.

“Maraming salamat po,” Go said, extending his prayers for the people of Mindanao and expressing hope that affected communities will soon recover.

Go continues to push for stronger disaster resilience and housing programs to better protect and support Filipino communities.

Go, who is the principal author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 12076, is pushing for the full implementation of the Ligtas Pinoy Centers Act, which mandates the establishment of permanent, disaster-resilient, and fully equipped evacuation centers nationwide.

He has also refiled Senate Bill No. 173, or the proposed Department of Disaster Resilience Act, which seeks to establish a dedicated agency that will unify disaster risk reduction, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation efforts under one institution.

Other proposals include Senate Bill No. 669, or the Hazard Pay for Disaster Personnel bill, which if enacted, requires local government units (LGUs) to grant hazard pay to disaster responders during calamities; and Senate Bill No. 666, or the New Building Code bill, which seeks to update national construction standards to promote safety and resilience.