TOKYO – The Japanese government is “ready to provide the maximum possible assistance to the Philippines,” Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said in a statement on Monday.
Hayashi commiserated with the families of those who perished in the aftermath of Severe Tropical Storm Paeng that hit the country.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the government of the Philippines and its people on the damages resulting from the typhoon that hit the vast areas of the Philippines, mainly the middle and northern parts of Mindanao, on October 27 through 29,” he said in a message.
He continued, “the Government of Japan stands with the government of the Philippines and its people.”
“My deepest condolences are with the victims and the bereaved, and I sincerely pray for the speedy recovery of the affected people as well as the prompt restoration on the affected areas,” Hayashi added.
As of Nov. 2, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that 121 people were killed during the onslaught of Paeng. - Florenda Corpuz
