PHL condoles with Indonesia after more than 400 killed in quake, tsunami

The Philippines expressed its condolences to Indonesia on Saturday after at least 400 people died due to the magnitude 7.4 earthquake and tsunami that hit Central Sulawesi on Friday.

“We grieve with our Indonesian brothers and sisters and stand hand in hand with them in praying for all of those who lost their lives in this tragedy,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said as quoted in a statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Sunday also said, "We join the people of Indonesia in offering our prayers to the hundreds who died after a powerful 7.4 earthquake and tsunami hit Central Sulawesi last Friday."

The Philippines said it is ready to respond and extend help to Indonesia, both officials said.

According to Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong T. Wee, the provincial capital of Palu and the city of Donggala were affected by the earthquake and tsunami.

Authorities said more than 400 people have died.

Wee said only one Filipino is in the area. He is safe at the Lapas Penitentiary where he is serving his sentence. —KG, GMA News