Tsunami threat lifted after Philippine earthquake – as it happened

Reports of panic and damaged buildings as strong quake hits Philippines

• Full report: prayers as strong shaking hits the Philippines

Philippines president directs agencies to aid evacuations and provide help to everyone who needs it'

Ferdinand Marcos, the president of the Philippines, said the government was working round the clock" to ensure help reaches everyone who needs it".

We are now assessing the situation on the ground and ensuring that everyone is safe. ... Search, rescue, and relief operations are already being prepared and will be deployed as soon as it is safe to do so.

Let us continue to look out for one another and pray for the safety of all our countrymen.