After the magnitude 7.3 earthquake that shook the province on Wednesday morning, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. will go to Abra.

When the all-clear is granted, he will immediately fly to the location, according to press secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles.

As safely as possible for him to go, “He will immediately fly to the area as soon as the all clear is given,” she stated.

Following the earthquake, according to Cruz-Angeles, the President is now working with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to coordinate relief efforts in Abra.

“He also calls on the telcos to provide immediate assistance and free communications to all locations where towers have gone down to keep these communications open,” she continued.

When questioned if the President’s agenda for today will be cancelled, Cruz-Angeles responded that Marcos is concentrating on disaster relief and providing assistance to the earthquake victims.

“Ngayon pa lang po dumadating ‘yung feedback natin about the extent of damage in certain areas, so the President will put this as his priority, and most likely might cancel certain appointments,” she added.

Cruz-Angeles said that ” if necessary and if we can source the funding,” the President might direct the release of more funds to help the victims.

It would depend, she continued, on if Marcos also visited other earthquake-affected places.

“He will go to all those areas where it is necessary, that his presence will be necessary. We will keep updating you as things develop,” she stated.

Abra Representative Ching Bernos stated the earthquake “caused damages to many households and establishments” in the province in a separate statement.

“We are monitoring the situation on the ground and gathering information on the extent of the damage to the province,” she added.