Chinese envoy sympathizes with Manila fire victims


Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian has expressed his sympathies for those affected by a huge fire that displaced thousands of residents in Manila.

Huang said the embassy is “deeply saddened by the loss and hardship face by so many families during this tragic event,” and offered their condolences and assistance to those in need.

“Let’s come together to offer our help! Every effort makes a difference. Manila, babangon tayo muli (we will rise again)!” he said in a statement.

Huang's remarks came on Monday, a day after a huge blaze engulfed about a thousand shanties in Isla Puting Bato in Tondo, Manila.

According to the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, about 8,000 residents were displaced in a fire that started at around 4 a.m., and lasted for eights hours.