President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. said the government is ensuring the safety of everyone following the magnitude 7.5 earthquake in offshore Manay, Davao Oriental on Friday morning.
"We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe," Marcos said.
"We are working round the clock to ensure that help reaches everyone who needs it. Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen," he added.
Marcos said he has instructed the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the Armed Forces Philippines (AFP), the Philippine Coast Guard (CPG), and all concerned agencies to immediately carry out evacuations in coastal areas.
These agencies are also directed to activate emergency communication lines and coordinate closely with local governments, according to Marcos.
"Search, rescue, and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so," he said.
"The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) is pre-positioning food and non-food items, while the Department of Health is ready to provide emergency medical assistance," he added.
Marcos advised concerned residents to move to higher ground and stay away from the shore until authorities declare it safe.
"Follow all instructions from your local disaster councils and barangay officials. Your safety is our top priority," he said.
"To our kababayans in the affected regions, please stay alert and calm," he added.
A magnitude 7.5 earthquake rocked offshore Manay, Davao Oriental at 9:43 a.m. on Friday. Intensity V was felt in Davao City while Intensity IV was felt in Bislig City in Surigao del Sur.
A tsunami warning has been raised over seven areas.
According to PHIVOLCS, the people in the coastal areas of the following provinces are "strongly advised to immediately evacuate" to higher grounds or move farther inland:
PHIVOLCS said "destructive tsunami is expected with life threatening wave heights."