Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, July 27)— President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has vowed to visit the areas affected by Wednesday’s magnitude 7 earthquake in Northern Luzon “as soon as possible.”
In a media briefing, Marcos said he may schedule a trip on Thursday. He also explained why he chose to “stay away” from the concerned areas for now.
“It has been my experience [t]hat when the national officers come to the affected areas, immediately, ginugulo lang namin ‘yung trabaho ng mga local (we’re just meddling with the locals’ job),” Marcos said.
“Halimbawa, pupunta ako doon, maghahanap pa ako ng police para pag-secure. Kailangan ako i-meeting ng mga local officials, eh marami silang ginagawa,” he added. “Let us wait for them to tell us what the true situation is, and maybe I can schedule a trip perhaps tomorrow, as soon as possible.”
[Translation: For example, I’ll go there, I’ll look for police personnel for security. I need to meet with local officials, but they are busy. Let us wait for them to tell us what the true situation is, and maybe I can schedule a trip perhaps tomorrow, as soon as possible.]
Earlier in the day, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Marcos is coordinating with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and other agencies involved in disaster preparation and relief, along with concerned local officials.
The president has also ordered the immediate dispatch of rescue and relief teams to the affected province, along with necessary relief and equipment.
Marcos likewise called on telecommunications companies to extend immediate assistance and free communication available in all areas where towers have been taken down by the earthquake.
The earthquake was also felt in areas outside epicenter Tayum, Abra, triggering landslides and damaging structures in parts of Northern Luzon.
