Duterte offers help to typhoon-ravaged Japan, says Palace
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte offered help to Japan, where massive floods and mudslides triggered by heavy rains left more than 100 dead and dozens missing.
Duterte made the announcement during the 27th Cabinet meeting in Malacañang on Monday, according to his spokesman Harry Roque Jr.
“(I am) offering Pinoy soldiers, including engineers and doctors, to help rescue and [in]rehabilitation efforts in typhoon-ravaged Japan,” Roque said, quoting Duterte as saying.
“(The Philippines) will also send medicines to Japan,” he added.
More than 120 people have died in the wake of torrential rain, prompting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to cancel a trip to Europe and the Middle East this week to deal with the disaster, according to reports.
Over 70,000 emergency workers have been deployed to wade through floodwaters and dig into mud and rubble from landslides.
Japan and the Philippines are known to have one of the closest partnerships in the region, with Tokyo helping Manila build its first ever subway system and supporting the peace process with Muslim rebels.
The Philippine government, through Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, has extended sympathies to Japan and the families of the victims.
“We pray for the safe recovery of those who are missing, for consolation for those who have lost loved ones and their homes, and for comfort and relief for the thousands who have been displaced,” Cayetano said in a statement.
“In these difficult times, as rescue and emergency response operations continue, the Philippines stands in solidarity with our Japanese brothers and sisters and remains ready to extend a helping hand,” he added. CATHERINE S. VALENTE
The post Duterte offers help to typhoon-ravaged Japan, says Palace appeared first on The Manila Times Online.