On Friday, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong sent a letter to Aquino where he also voiced hopes that the affected Filipinos will overcome the tragedy.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Singapore, I extend our deepest condolences to you and the people of the Philippines on the tragic loss of lives and destruction caused by the recent earthquake in Visayas,” he said in the letter, the text of which was posted on the website of Singapore’s Foreign Ministry.
He added natural disasters such as these “remind us of our common humanity,” and that “our thoughts are with you and your people during this difficult time.”
“I am confident that, under your leadership, your people will overcome this tragedy with fortitude and rebuild the affected areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador Toshinao Urabe also sent a letter of condolence to Aquino, where he said he is praying for a swift and steady recovery by those affected.
“We, as strategic partner of the Philippines, continue to stand in solidarity with your Government and people at this very difficult time and pray for a swift and steady recovery,” Urabe said in his letter.
As of Saturday morning, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council had said at least 175 had been left dead in the wake of Tuesday’s quake.
Meanwhile, a report on “Balitanghali” said Filipinos in France expressed their sympathies with victims of the quake. — LBG, GMA News
