DILG chief orders building inspection in areas hit by quakes

MANILA, Philippines — Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año has ordered local government units (LGUs) in areas hit by two strong earthquakes in parts of Luzon and Visayas to lead an inspection of buildings in their areas.

In a statement Tuesday, the DILG said the LGUs, through their building officials, should conduct the inspections and coordinate with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) to ensure proper compliance to the National Building Code of the Philippines (NBCP) and the Fire Code of the Philippines.

“Aside from being physically present in your respective LGUs during these times, all local chief executives are reminded to not be complacent in doing preemptive measures to ensure that all structures are safe for use,” said Año.

According to the NBCP, a building may be considered dangerous if any portion has been damaged by fire, earthquake, wind, flood or by any other cause which could lessen its stability during disasters.

“If you see any portion of a building wracked, warped, buckled, or settled to such an extent that walls or other structural portions have materially less resistance to earthquake, you should immediately inform the building owners. There should be no compromise when it comes to public safety,” the DILG chief said.

Año further directed the department’s regional and provincial directors to assess the actions and readiness of concerned LGUs during and after the magnitude 6.1 earthquake on Monday, and the magnitude 6.5 earthquake in Eastern Samar on Tuesday.

He said the DILG field offices should assess the effectiveness and lapses of recent earthquake drills conducted by LGUs.

“Check if LGUs have immediately set up their tactical operation centers. Have the local chief executives convened their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs)?” he said.

The DILG chief has also instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the BFP to assist in the rescue and relief efforts of local authorities in parts of Luzon and Visayas affected by the earthquake, especially in areas near the epicenter. /ee

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