Japan condoles with Philippines over Paeng damage, vows assistance

The Japanese government has extended its sympathies to the Philippines following the destruction brought about by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng (international name: Naegi) in several parts of the country.

Japanese Foreign Prime Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa conveyed the message through Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo on Monday.

"I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy to the government of the Philippines and its people on the damage 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," Yoshimasa said.

The Japanese government also said it is prepared to provide assistance to the Philippines following the recent calamity.

"The Government of Japan stands with the government of the Philippines and its people, and is ready to provide the maximum possible assistance to the Philippines," Yoshimasa said.

"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," he added.

The latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) showed that the number of reported
fatalities due to Paeng has reached 110 as of Tuesday morning.

Of the number, 79 have been confirmed while 31 were "for validation."

Most of the reported fatalities, or 59, were from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In Maguindanao, which is part of BARMM, 61 people have perished due to Paeng, according to Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu in a briefing with President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Aside from the fatalities, another 101 persons were reportedly injured — 63 confirmed and 38 yet to be validated.

Meanwhile, search operations were ongoing for the 33 people who were reported missing, of which 23 were confirmed. —Hana Bordey/KBK, GMA News