LOOK: NCR residents join metro-wide shake drill as Batanes experiences real quake

LOOK: NCR residents join metro-wide shake drill as Batanes experiences real quake

INQUIRER.net photo / Katrina Hallare

MANILA, Philippines — Residents of Metro Manila woke up early on Saturday to participate in the Metro Manila-wide shake drill organized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

But as metro residents simulate the emergency situation during the drill, a 5.4-magnitude quake struck the municipality of Itbatan, Batanes, killing and wounding several civilians in the area.

The quake was then followed by several strong aftershocks.

READ: 4 dead, 19 hurt in Batanes quake

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim, along with MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia and Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Undersecretary Renato Solidum Jr. led the ceremonial pressing of the button, which signaled the start of the earthquake drill at 4 a.m.

The officials too did the standard “duck, cover and hold” practice during the drill.

Some local government units actively participated in the drill, such as Valenzuela City where Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office set up tents as part of the drill.

The cities of Mandaluyong and Manila also took part in the shake drill.

The MMDA officials first inspected the East Quadrant, which was located in the Pasig Royal Mansion in Santolan, Pasig City.

They were joined by Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto, Marikina City Mayor Marcelino Teodoro and National Capital Region Police Office Chief Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. /jpv

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