By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered on Wednesday, July 27, the immediate mobilization of rescue and relief operation teams after a ‘major earthquake’ jolted the province of Abra.
Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said that Marcos has directed concerned government agencies to fully coordinate in relief and rescue operations.
“The President is presently coordinating with NDRRMC [National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council[ and the DSWD [Department of Social Welfare and Development]. He has ordered an immediate dispatch of rescue and relief teams to Abra,” she said.
She added that Marcos is already in close contact with the local officials in Abra to know the “conditions on the ground.”
The Chief Executive also directed telecommunication companies to provide “immediate assistance” and to “ensure free communication” is provided to the affected communities. Angeles said Globe Telecom has “already responded” to the request. –ag