President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Saturday urged the Filipino people to unite in compassion for the victims of the massive landslide in Southern Leyte where thousands of residents were feared dead.

In her message at the inauguration of the P68-million new Binalonan public market in Pangasinan, Mrs. Arroyo said the Filipinos should set aside whatever differences and unite to pray and support the victims of the tragedy.

''I challenge all Filipinos of all political parties, religious affiliations to unite in compassion for the victims of the tragedy," she said.

She also asked the people of Binalonan to use the occasion (town fiesta) to pray for the victims.

''It is important that we unite as one nation to rise again and face these challenges together,'' the President said.

She promised the rescue and retrieval operations will not stop until the last landslide victim is recovered.

''Hindi ako matutulog hanggang hindi nakikita ang lahat ng biktima, lalo na ang mga bata,'' she said.

The President on Friday ordered all concerned government agencies to immediately deliver relief goods to the victims and conduct rescue operations the fastest way possible.

From Pangasinan, the Chief Executive flew to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City where she presided over a meeting of the National Disaster Coordinating Council to assess the latest developments in Southern Leyte.-GMANEWS.TV