TOKYO – Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said the Japanese government is prepared to offer “all possible assistance” to the Philippines following the damage inflicted by Severe Tropical Storm Kristine (international name Trami) across Luzon and Visayas provinces last week.
Ishiba conveyed this commitment in a message of sympathy to President Ferdinand 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,” the Japanese premier told Marcos Jr.
“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.
Ishiba noted that Japan “fully understands the hardship caused by the severe damage of typhoons.”
“Japan always stands with the Philippines in overcoming this time of difficulties,” he said.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported Thursday that the death toll from Kristine and Super Typhoon Leon has reached 150, with 115 people injured and 29 still missing. - Florenda Corpuz
