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Pope Benedict XVI's envoy to the Philippines assured Negros residents affected by the magnitude-6.9 quake last Feb. 6 of the Holy Father's prayers and solidarity with them.

 

Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Giuseppe Pinto also appealed to Filipinos to extend help to the victims of the quake, saying more needs to be done, radio dzBB reported Wednesday.

 

“Our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of the recent earthquake that hit this island ... I assure you of the solidarity of his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in all your aspirations and trials and that he remembers you in his prayers,” a report on Visayan Daily Star quoted Pinto as saying in his speech in Bacolod City Monday night before a crowd of 500.

 

Pinto attended the dinner Monday marking the start of “Totus Tuus,” a weeklong event observing the 31st anniversary of Blessed John Paul II’s visit to Bacolod.

 

For his part, Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra called for the swift delivery of aid to earthquake victims as their needs are urgent.

 

He also appealed to people to avoid politicking.

 

As of Tuesday, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council had said at least 42 were killed in the wake of the quake.

 

NDRRMC laments 'lack of discipline' in getting relief goods

 

Meanwhile, NDRRMC head Benito Ramos lamented what he called the lack of discipline of some residents in lining up for relief goods.

 

Ramos was referring to reports of fighting among some residents for relief goods, radio dzBB's Glen Juego reported.

 

In some cases, some residents who already received relief goods would allegedly queue again for more.

 

Ramos appealed for calm as he reassured the residents there are enough relief goods for them.

 

–KG, GMA News