(CNN Philippines, April 5) — A provincial officer said Batangas has not declared a state of calamity, contrary to an earlier announcement.
Provincial Administrator Levi Dimaculangan clarified on Wednesday that a formal declaration putting the province under a state of calamity has yet to be made.
Mandanas earlier told CNN Philippines, “We declared a state of calamity in Batangas and suspended classes at all levels, private and public, while assessing damage to buildings and facilities.”
Mandanas’ announcement came after the magnitude 5.5 quake that hit the province last night.
Batangas governor declares a state of calamity following magnitude-5.5 quake
Dimaunahan told CNN Philippines the declaration of a state of a calamity needs to undergo a process.
Under the local government code, a province may declare a state of calamity upon the approval of the provincial council based on certain conditions.
Mandanas said there were no casualties from the quake, just minor damage to property.
Mandanas added the damage to Tingloy from the earthquake was far less than that of the typhoon that struck the province in December 2016.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Director Renato Solidum said the tremor hit 7 km northwest of Tingloy town at 8:58 p.m. Tuesday.
CNN Philippines’ David Santos and VJ Bacungan contributed to this report.
