Palace suspends govt work in Metro Manila due to quake

MALACAÑANG suspended work in government in Metro Manila on Tuesday, April 23, in the wake of a 6.1-magnitude earthquake that hit Zambales and affected other parts of Luzon.

In a statement, Palace spokesman Salvador Panelo said the suspension was pursuant to the recommendation of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

“Per Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea as recommended by the NDRRMC and in order to ease up the load of the public transport system, work in government in the National Capital Region is suspended on 23 April 2019,” Panelo said.

“The President has directed the Governors of the affected provinces to assess the damage sustained by their respective localities and take the necessary measures to ensure public safety,” he added.

Malacañang assured the nation that the government was monitoring the situation after the quake but called for vigilance and cooperation.

“We ask the public to remain calm but vigilant and we urge them to refrain from spreading disinformation in social media that may cause undue alarm, panic, and stress to many people,” Panelo said in a statement late Monday.

“We call upon our citizen’s innate Bayanihan spirit and request their cooperation, patience and understanding in this time of need,” he added.

A 6.1 magnitude earthquake rocked Metro Manila and other areas in Luzon Monday afternoon, reportedly killing eight persons, damaging some buildings and roads, and causing a power outage.

Authorities said the center of the tectonic quake was in Castillejos, Zambales.

Panelo said the first responders from the NDRRMC, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine National Police, and affected local government units, as well as other related agencies, were cooperating to look after the needs of the affected citizens.

He noted that the Departments of Transportation and Energy have been placed on “full alert” to address the disruption of transportation services and power supply interruptions.

“We assure our people that concerned agencies of the government are already responding and assisting those in troubled conditions and shall continue to do so for as long as necessary,” Panelo said.