Duterte to visit quake-hit Pampanga

President Rodrigo Duterte will visit areas in Pampanga badly hit by the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that struck parts of Luzon on Monday, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Aside from inspecting the quake-hit communities, the President will also receive a situation briefing from government officials on the effects of the tremor in Central Luzon on Tuesday afternoon, according to presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo.

The situation briefing will be held at the provincial capitol in San Fernando City, Pampanga.

Panelo said Duterte has already 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.”

The quake hit 60 kilometers northwest of Manila, disrupting air, rail and road transport and causing some damage to buildings and infrastructure.

The quake has killed seven people and injured 81 others with the province of Pampanga set to be placed under state of calamity.

Fear haunted residents in Porac town and some residents chose to sleep on the streets as they were afraid to stay in their residences after the earthquake.

“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. — Virgil Lopez/RSJ, GMA News