• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Five school buildings of Gil Montilla National High School in Sipalay City, Negros Occidental were ordered closed until further notice due to safety concerns after a magnitude 5.1 earthquake rocked the southern locality on Oct. 6.
In a report, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said it noticed tension cracks on slabs, poor concrete cover, and construction imperfections in the structures.
Hairline and tension cracks and dislodged floor tiles were also reported in the village hall and health center as well as in Agripino Alvarez Elementary School in Barangay Mambaroto, Sangguniang Kabataan building in Barangay Maricalum, and market stalls in Barangay Nabulao.
However, no one was reported hurt or displaced, the report added.
Local disaster council coordinator Dionilo Bogtae said the rapid damage assessment and needs analysis teams continue to evaluate structural safety across key public facilities.
Bogtae said the city government is prioritizing the safety of the residents, particularly students, and will provide updates as evaluations conclude. | GB
