No Pinoy casualties in Bangladesh

There were no reports of Filipino casualties in the deadly cyclone in Bangladesh that killed more than 3,000 people, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said yesterday.

“Philippine Ambassador to Bangladesh Norberto Basilio reports that no Filipino thus far has been listed among the thousands of casualties from Cyclone Sidr,” DFA spokesman Claro Cristobal said in a text message to reporters.

The latest tropical cyclone to hit Bangladesh is considered the worst since 1991.

Cristobal also said that on orders of President Arroyo, DFA, the Department of Health and the National Disaster Coordinating Council are organizing a 15-man medical relief mission to Bangladesh. The mission is expected to leave today.

Mrs. Arroyo is in Singapore for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit.

The team is reportedly composed of doctors, nurses, psychiatrist, psychologist, sanitary engineer, medical technician and epidemiologist.

DOH Undersecretary Jade del Mundo said the government would also be sending $10,000 worth of medicine and supplies to assist in the relief operations in Bangladesh.

“We are just firming up the needs of Bangladesh. The team will stay there for 10 days,” he said at a press briefing. – Sheila Crisostomo