Comelec suspends work in regional offices after Luzon earthquake

Comelec headquarters

MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday suspended work in its field offices affected by the magnitude 7 earthquake that hit Abra.

Acting Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco also reported that no Comelec field offices, specifically in the affected Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Central Luzon, and Cordillera Administrative Region suffered any major structural damage after the earthquake.

No injuries involving election field officers or staff were also reported, said Laudiangco.

“Upon orders of Acting Chairperson Socorro B Inting, and fully supported by Commissioner Marlon S Casquejo, Commissioner Aimee P Ferolino and Commissioner Rey E Bulay, Executive Director Bartolome J Sinocruz Jr was directed to issue a Memorandum suspending work in all areas directly affected by the earthquake, in conjunction with similar work suspensions issued by their respective local government units,” said Laudiangco in a Viber message to reporters.

Apart from this, all regional election directors were directed by the Comelec en banc to assess their respective field offices and operations and submit their reports.

The order came after a magnitude 7 earthquake jolted the province of Abra on Wednesday morning.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) had classified it as a “major earthquake” and warned that aftershocks may occur in the next few days and could even last for months.

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/MUF/abc