China, Japan, EU, and ASEAN condole with PH
Published Sep 17, 2018 05:09 pm
By Marjaleen Ramos
Several foreign ministries expressed their sympathies to the Philippines over the death and destruction wrought by typhoon “Ompong” over the weekend.
TYPHOON OMPONG – A man struggles his umbrella the strong wind brought by typhoon “Ompong” while walks along the national highway in Pagdalagan, San Fernando City, La Union Saturday (Sept. 15, 2018). (Photo by: ERWIN BELEO/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang relayed China’s deep condolences to the country and a commitment to send aid.
“China will help the Philippines within its capacity as soon as possible,” he said. “We believe that under the leadership of President Duterte and the Philippine government, people in the affected regions of the Philippines will properly deal with this disaster, minimize life and properly loss, and restore normal life at an early date.”
Chinese officials also confirmed they agreed to postpone the scheduled visit of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the Philippines as government focuses on rescue and relief efforts.
“Considering the Philippine government is focusing on battling this disaster and has suggested a rescheduling, the Chinese officials confirmed they agreed to postpone State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to the Philippines which was previously scheduled on September 16-17.”
The two sides will set a new schedule through diplomatic channel.
Wang’s visit to Manila is aimed at further building on the increasingly strong foundation of friendship between the Philippines and China.
The delegation of the European Union also expressed its sincerest sympathies to those severely affected by the typhoon.
“The EU is consistently monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist the Filipino people in this difficult time,” it stated.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Koji Haneda said the Japan stands with the Philippines and is ready to provide the maximum possible assistance. “I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the government of the Philippines and its people on the damages from typhoon Ompong in the Northern Philippines.”
“My deepest condolences are with the bereaved and I sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of the affected people as well as the prompt restoration of the affected areas,” Minister for
Foreign Affairs of Japan Taro Kono said in a relayed message to Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.
ASEAN, through its Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, also noted that the bloc is prepared to extend all help to the typhoon-ravaged parts of the Philippines should the country request assistance.
“Ompong” was the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, leaving at least 59 people dead, 14 missing in landslides, and property and public infrastructure destroyed.
As of Sunday morning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), reported that there were 63,769 families or 250,036 persons affected by Ompong in 30 provinces in Luzon. (With a report from Roy Mabasa and PNA)
TYPHOON OMPONG – A man struggles his umbrella the strong wind brought by typhoon “Ompong” while walks along the national highway in Pagdalagan, San Fernando City, La Union Saturday (Sept. 15, 2018). (Photo by: ERWIN BELEO/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang relayed China’s deep condolences to the country and a commitment to send aid.
“China will help the Philippines within its capacity as soon as possible,” he said. “We believe that under the leadership of President Duterte and the Philippine government, people in the affected regions of the Philippines will properly deal with this disaster, minimize life and properly loss, and restore normal life at an early date.”
Chinese officials also confirmed they agreed to postpone the scheduled visit of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi to the Philippines as government focuses on rescue and relief efforts.
“Considering the Philippine government is focusing on battling this disaster and has suggested a rescheduling, the Chinese officials confirmed they agreed to postpone State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to the Philippines which was previously scheduled on September 16-17.”
The two sides will set a new schedule through diplomatic channel.
Wang’s visit to Manila is aimed at further building on the increasingly strong foundation of friendship between the Philippines and China.
The delegation of the European Union also expressed its sincerest sympathies to those severely affected by the typhoon.
“The EU is consistently monitoring the situation and stands ready to assist the Filipino people in this difficult time,” it stated.
Meanwhile, Ambassador Koji Haneda said the Japan stands with the Philippines and is ready to provide the maximum possible assistance. “I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the government of the Philippines and its people on the damages from typhoon Ompong in the Northern Philippines.”
“My deepest condolences are with the bereaved and I sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of the affected people as well as the prompt restoration of the affected areas,” Minister for
Foreign Affairs of Japan Taro Kono said in a relayed message to Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano.
ASEAN, through its Coordinating Centre for Humanitarian Assistance, also noted that the bloc is prepared to extend all help to the typhoon-ravaged parts of the Philippines should the country request assistance.
“Ompong” was the strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, leaving at least 59 people dead, 14 missing in landslides, and property and public infrastructure destroyed.
As of Sunday morning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), reported that there were 63,769 families or 250,036 persons affected by Ompong in 30 provinces in Luzon. (With a report from Roy Mabasa and PNA)