Following the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that hit Northern Luzon on Wednesday morning, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. ordered all concerned DILG Regional Offices to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to provide assistance to affected localities.

“I have instructed concerned DILG Regional Offices to coordinate with the PNP and BFP personnel to immediately provide assistance to affected Filipinos,” Abalos said.

The DILG Chief also instructed the Regional Offices to check the presence of the local chief executives (LCEs).

Likewise, he instructed the Regional Offices to check for critical lifelines such as the supply of power and water, as well as the stability and access to communications, roads, and, bridges.

He then called for an initial damage assessment of all affected local government units and to check hospitals and other health facilities.

“We’re just waiting for the feedback right now but I’ve already informed those affected, especially the hardest hit province of Abra to respond to the needs of the people,” Abalos said.

The Philippine Institute Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the quake occurred at 8:43 a.m. in Lagangilang, Abra. The tremor was also felt in other parts of Luzon including Metro Manila.

Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/Abalos-asks-LCEs-DILG-Regional-Offices-to-mobilize-disaster-response-schemes-after-Abra-quake/NC-2022-1100