Apostolic Nuncio Charles Brown offers condolences to victims of Mindanao earthquake

Apostolic Nuncio and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps Archbishop Charles John Brown expressed his condolences to the victims of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Mindanao during the Vin d’Honneur in Malacañang on Friday.

“I do so very conscious of the devastating earthquake which struck southern Mindanao just four days ago, with loss of life and serious injuries for many people,” Brown said .

“In the name of the Diplomatic Corps, allow me, Mr. President, to express our sincere condolences to you and to all the people of the Philippines on this tragedy. We stand with the people of Mindanao in this difficult time,” he added.

On June 8, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck offshore Sarangani, resulting in more than 50 fatalities as of this writing.

The traditional Vin d'Honneur—French for "wine of honor"—is observed twice a year in the Philippines, with one of the receptions marking the anniversary of Philippine independence.

In celebration of the 128th Independence Day, Brown extended his sincere best wishes on behalf of the entire Diplomatic Corps.

In his speech, the apostolic nuncio emphasized the enduring nature of the Filipino character, forged during the country's struggle for independence.

“These virtues—dedication, resilience, and perseverance—continue to characterize the Philippine nation in our own day in the face of the challenges of our time, which are well known to us all,” Brown said.

‘Multilateralism’

Brown also noted the Philippines’ practice of multilateralism, particularly in forging diplomatic ties and fostering regional cooperation.

“Domestically, the Philippines has every reason to take pride in its chairmanship this year of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations under the [theme] 'Navigating Our Future Together,’” Brown said.

“The successful 48th ASEAN Summit held a month ago in Cebu, which I was privileged to attend, exemplified the ideals and practice of multilateralism at their best,” he added.

Moreover, Brown commended the Philippines’ continued commitment to “diplomacy, the peaceful settlement of disputes, and the principles of territorial integrity” during the United Nations General Assembly in March.

Brown said these values and actions stand in sharp contrast to the growing trend of international “unilateralism.”

“Internationally, the world is witnessing a rise in what we might call unilateralism, as well as a recourse to war and force as instruments of foreign policy. This unfortunate reality stands in marked contrast to the inspiring vision offered by Your Excellency in your speech to the General Assembly of the United Nations,” the apostolic nuncio said.

“These are not simply lofty sentiments or unattainable proposals. They are the necessary foundation of a just international order, and they are ignored at our peril,” he added.

In his Vin d'Honneur speech, Brown raised a toast to the President’s health, success, and well-being, and to the peace, prosperity, and happiness of the Philippines. —VBL, GMA News