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Duterte to disaster-hit Indonesia: ASEAN stands with you


 

President Rodrigo Duterte addresses the ASEAN Leaders' Gathering affirmed support for Indonesians who are still reeling from the destruction brought about by an earthquake and a tsunami. MALACAÑANG PHOTO
President Rodrigo Duterte addresses the ASEAN Leaders' Gathering affirmed support for Indonesians who are still reeling from the destruction brought about by an earthquake and a tsunami. MALACAÑANG PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday affirmed the support of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for Indonesia, which is still reeling from the destruction caused by an earthquake and tsunami that struck one of its cities last month.

Speaking at the ASEAN Leaders’ Gathering chaired by Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Bali, Duterte reiterated the Philippines’ “sincere sympathies for the tremendous loss of lives and extensive damage to property.”

At least 2,000 people died from the 7.5 magnitude quake and ensuing tsunami that hit the Indonesian city of Palu but the number is expected to rise with thousands still missing.

“Indonesia has taken on the challenge of rebuilding and rehabilitating its communities. Indonesia stands resilient and unbowed in these difficult times. But Indonesia does not stand alone,” Duterte said in his remarks during the dialogue that was attended by other ASEAN leaders and heads of the United Nations, World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund.

“Your brothers and sisters in ASEAN stand with you. In responding to disasters, Southeast Asia has declared: One ASEAN, One Response. And we have done so.”

Duterte’s trip to Bali also saw the ceremonial turnover of assistance to Indonesian Sinyo Harry Sarundajang held at a resort in Bali on Thursday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go represented Duterte in the ceremony.

According to Malacañang, the Philippine government extended $300,000 worth of cash as well as $200,000 in kind to the victims of the calamity.

Philippine Ambassador to Indonesia Leehiong Tan Wee said the first batch of the relief goods and other aids arrived at Kota Balikpapan Kalimantan Airport on Wednesday while the second delivery is scheduled on Sunday.

Apart from government aid, several private companies in the Philippines also gave cash donations to the Embassy of Indonesia in the Philippines, according to Wee. — BAP, GMA News

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