MANILA - The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has postponed the nationwide earthquake drill originally scheduled on Thursday, September 21.

The NDRRMC announcement came after President Rodrigo Duterte suspended classes in public schools and government work on the 45th anniversary of the declaration of the Marcos-era martial law.

"Since most of the Regional DRRM Councils have selected government offices and schools as its pilot area, the National Council deemed it necessary to conduct the 3rd quarter NSED to a later date," the NDRRMC said Tuesday.

While September 21 was not declared as a holiday, Duterte called it a "national day of protest." He said government officials will also do their own protest over low salaries and lack of equipment.

"Sabay tayo mag protesta sa gobyerno natin," the President said.

As of posting, the NDRRMC has yet to determine the new date of the 3rd quarter nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill.