UK expresses its sympathies to Mindanao earthquake victims

The United Kingdom has extended its condolences to the Philippines following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday, killing at least 41 people.

At the British Embassy in Manila’s celebration of the King Charles III's birthday, British Ambassador to the Philippines Sarah Hulton expressed sympathy for those affected by the powerful quake.

“I would like to express our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by the recent earthquake in Mindanao. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families,” she said.

The Philippine government thanked Britain for its message of solidarity.

“Allow me to convey our sincerest appreciation to the British government, to Ambassador Sarah Hulton, for your kind words of sympathy for the unfortunate and tragic natural disaster, the earthquake which struck the southern Philippines just the other day,” said DFA Undersecretary Ma. Theresa Dizon-de Vega, who led the delegation of attendees for the Philippine government side.

Japan, New Zealand, Australia, the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, China, Taiwan, and the United Nations Philippines also earlier conveyed their sympathies and readiness to assist the victims of the Mindanao earthquake.

The UK also reaffirmed its growing defense and maritime security partnership with the Philippines.

Hulton says the two countries are working toward concluding a Status of Visiting Forces Agreement, or SOVFA, which would allow closer coordination between their armed forces.

“We’re also deepening our defense partnership, working towards concluding the Status of Visiting Forces Agreement to enable closer coordination between our armed forces, and the UK stands firmly with the Philippines in upholding UNCLOS and supporting the 2016 Arbitral Award,” Hulton said.

The 2016 Arbitral Award invalidated China’s sweeping nine-dash line claim over almost the entire South China Sea, including parts of the West Philippine Sea.

China has yet to respond to Hulton’s latest statement, but it has repeatedly said it does not recognize the arbitral ruling.

The event also highlighted 80 years of diplomatic relations between the United Kingdom and the Philippines, with both countries strengthening cooperation in clean energy, agriculture, defense, and maritime security.

The British Embassy also shared King Charles III’s personal recognition of the contribution of Filipinos in the United Kingdom, especially Filipino nurses serving in the National Health Service.

Hulton said she had the privilege of meeting the King and was allowed to share part of their discussion.

“I had the privilege of an audience with His Majesty the King and I am allowed to share that our discussion covered the wonderful contribution of the Filipino community in the U.K. and in particular the 35,000 Filipino nurses in the NHS,” says Hulton.

King Charles III is known to have a special connection with Filipino nurses in the UK. During his coronation, two Filipino nurses were among those invited to attend. He also conferred the Member of the Order of the British Empire medal on Filipino nurse Brenda Deocampo for her outstanding contribution in managing COVID-19 wards during the pandemic. — BM, GMA News