Japan hails PH support after massive quake
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko expressed gratitude to President Marcos who stood by Japan after it was rocked by a magnitude 7.6 earthquake on New Year’s Day.
This image shows a collapsed road near the city of Shika, Ishikawa prefecture on Jan. 2, 2024, a day after a major 7.6 magnitude earthquake struck the Noto region in Ishikawa prefecture in the afternoon. (Photo by JIJI PRESS/AFP/JAPAN OUT)
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Koshikawa said the Philippines is a “friend indeed” after Marcos offered assistance to Japan.
There were 30 people who were so far killed in the massive earthquake that triggered major tsunami warnings in the Ishikawa region, which is the worst-affected area of Japan.
While “deeply saddened” by the extent damage left by the earthquake, Marcos vowed to help Japan in “any way that we can.” His administration is likewise cooperating with the Japanese government to ensure the safety of Filipinos there.
“Thank you so much for your messages, President @bongbongmarcos! (Japan and the Philippines) have consistently stood by each other in times of crisis. A friend in need is a friend indeed,” Koshikawa wrote.
On Monday, Jan. 1, the ambassador offered prayers for Filipinos and others affected by the deadly earthquake.
"I believe many Filipinos are concerned about the earthquake & tsunami that struck Japan today. My heartfelt prayers for the safety and well-being of all affected, including our fellow Filipinos in Japan. Let's stand together in support during these challenging times," he said in a separate X post.
No Filipino has been reportedly killed or injured in the magnitude 7.6 earthquake that jolted western Japan, according to Philippine Ambassador to Tokyo Mylene Garcia-Albano.
She said some Filipinos were evacuated from their homes due to the tsunami threat. The tremor was only slightly felt in Tokyo, the envoy added.