Japan ready to provide all possible aid to ‘Kristine’-hit PH, says PM

Japan Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru (Photo courtesy of Japanese Prime Minister's Office)

MANILA – The Japanese government is ready to provide “all possible assistance” to the Philippines following the havoc brought by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) to several parts of the country last week, Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru has said.

The Japanese leader made the assurance as he sent his message of sympathy to the Philippines and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Oct. 29.

“I am deeply saddened and worried to learn the news that many precious lives were lost, many people are still missing and serious damages were brought in the vast areas of the Philippines due to the typhoon Kristine,” he told Marcos.

“On behalf of the Japanese government and people, I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, and express my sympathy to those who were affected,” he added.

In offering Tokyo’s help, Ishiba said Japan “fully understands” the challenges faced by a country like the Philippines, which is often in the path of typhoons.

“Japan is ready to provide all possible assistance to the Philippines. Like the Philippines, we fully understand the hardship caused by severe damage of typhoons. Japan always stands with the Philippines in overcoming this time of difficulties,” he said.

The death toll for the combined effects of Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon has reached 139, based on the latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Wednesday.

Only 14 have so far been validated, with nine in Bicol, two in Central Luzon, two in Cordillera, and one in Northern Mindanao.

The remaining deaths are still undergoing validation— 72 in Calabarzon, 46 in Bicol Region, five in Central Visayas, and two in Zamboanga Peninsula. (PNA)