Timor Leste will deploy 120 engineers and firefighters to assist in the cleaning and rehabilitation efforts of the Philippines after the devastating onslaught of Typhoon Tino.


This was disclosed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday, Nov. 7, as it thanked the foreign country for its decision to assist the country in its post-typhoon efforts.


"We welcome, in particular, the announcement of Timor Leste, the newest member of ASEAN, to deploy 120 Timorese engineers and firefighters to assist in the cleaning and rehabilitation of affected areas," the DFA said in its statement.


Timor Leste became the newest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) last month during the signing of their admission to the regional at the 47th ASEAN Summit. 


The DFA also expressed gratitude for the offers and commitments of humanitarian assistance from the international community.


"The Philippines expresses its sincere appreciation to the offers and commitments of humanitarian assistance from the international community for our relief and recovery operations in the aftermath of the widespread destruction to Cebu and other parts of Central Philippines resulting from Typhoon Tino," the DFA said.


"We are also deeply heartened by the many messages of sympathy and solidarity that we received from our international partners," it added.