In the aftermath of the Magnitude 7.0 earthquake which hit most parts of Luzon on Wednesday July 27, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin ‘Benhur’ Abalos Jr. instructed the department’s concerned Regional Offices to join the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in providing assistance to the distressed 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.
Abalos also directed the DILG the Regional Offices to check the presence of the local chief executives (LCEs) in the earthquake-affected areas.
He also asked the Regional Offices to check for the critical lifelines such as the supply of power and water as well as the stability and access to communications, roads and bridges.
The DILG chief also 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," he added.
The Philippine Institute Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) reported that the quake occurred at 8:43 a.m. in Lagangilang, Abra as the tremor was also felt in other parts of Luzon including Metro Manila. (Chito A. Chavez)