The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) cited Friday, Oct. 28, 282 local chief executives (LCE) in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Regions 1 and 2 for undertaking swift and efficient response during the 6.4 magnitude earthquake that jolted the northern part of the country.

In particular, DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. pointed to their systematic and expeditious handling of the rescue operations in the affected areas where zero casualties were recorded and 182 persons were brought to safer grounds.

He stressed that the LCEs’ response is critical in any disaster, especially earthquakes, adding that their presence and quick action in the recent quake spelled the difference in the government’s response efforts, particularly in areas closer to the epicenter.

“We thank the 282 LCEs from CAR, Regions 1 and 2 for manning their areas of jurisdictions during this recent earthquake in Abra. Your urgent actions made all the difference in saving people’s lives. Hindi natin alam kung kailan magkakalindol (We do not know when earthquakes will occur) but your leadership has really carried us through,” Abalos said.

Based on the data gathered by the DILG field offices, Abalos said that 74 of 77 LCEs in CAR were manning their posts and were on top of the earthquake response efforts while 125 of 128 LCEs from Region 1 and 85 out of 93 from Region 2 were likewise reported to be present at work during and after the quake.

He noted that the LCEs led in the conduct of evacuation in affected communities, provision of relief goods to the internally displaced persons (IDPs), ongoing conduct of rapid damage assessment and needs analysis within their respective areas of responsibility and deployment of heavy equipment and rescue equipment/resources in strategic areas.

Abalos added that the LCEs also convened their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (LDRRMCs), conducted Emergency Response Meetings, and activated all concerned Barangay DRRMCs for close coordination, prepositioning of necessary supplies, and preparation of evacuation centers.

A magnitude 6.4 earthquake occurred in Lagayan, Abra last Oct. 25.

The DILG chief said 52 families or 182 individuals were evacuated in CAR, while 442 houses were partially damaged and 14 houses were totally damaged. One road was deemed impassable due to damage and 47 individuals were injured due to the quake.

Abalos gave special recognition to the LCEs who were visible on the ground to attend to the needs of their people and respond to the urgent assistance efforts within their jurisdiction in the wake of the said earthquake.

He said that among these LCEs was Balbalan Mayor Almar P. Malannag who personally visited the senior citizens who were housed at the Balbalan Hostel and transferred them to the municipal building for their safety as the building is checked for integrity.

Vintar Mayor Richard A. Degala and Solsona Mayor Joseph A. De Lara both personally conducted inspections and assessment of damages within their jurisdictions while Rosales Mayor William S. Cezar and Cabugao Mayor Josh Cobangbang urgently gathered their Municipal DRRMC for an emergency meeting to mobilize response efforts in their municipalities.