NDRRMC postpones Sept. 21 quake drill for 'day of protest'
In this March 31 photo, police officers carry a mock victim during an earthquake drill at the Quezon City Police District headquarters at Camp Karingal. STAR/Miguel de Guzman, file
MANILA, Philippines — The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Tuesday postponed its scheduled nationwide earthquake drill on Thursday.
This follows the declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte that Thursday, September 21, is a "national day of protest," suspending classes and work in government offices.
READ: Palace: Gov't work, public school classes suspended on Sept. 21
"Since most of the Regional [Disaster Risk Reduction and Management] Councils have selected government offices and schools as its pilot area, the National Council deemed it necessary to conduct the 3rd quarter [nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill] to a later date," the council said in a statement.
The nationwide earthquake drill was originally scheduled on Thursday at around 2 p.m. The announcement for the drill was made this week.
The postponement was made to ensure maximum participation in the drill, the NDRRMC said. The new schedule of the drill is yet to be announced.
Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella clarified that it will be up to private schools and companies whether to suspend classes and work on Thursday.
On Sept. 21 1972, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos declared martial law in the entire country and was formally lifted on Jan. 17, 1981. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
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