Noy offers condolences to Japanese government

MANILA, Philippines –  President Aquino yesterday offered condolences to the Japanese government and people by personally visiting Ambassador Makoto Katsura and offering sympathy over the crisis Japan is now suffering after the 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami last Friday.

Aquino said he offered the Japanese envoy any assistance that can be extended by the Philippine government.

“I reiterated our offer of assistance and he said he is still awaiting word from their home office,” Aquino told reporters.

He said the issues being discussed now are the “modalities” of what kind of assistance would be extended.

Aquino was advised to send rescue people that are physically fit to withstand the extreme cold and very harsh environment.

“I think that is what is meant by modalities. But he can’t advise us yet,” Aquino said.

The decision on whether repatriation of Filipino workers would be implemented or merely an evacuation from one place to another in Japan, according to Aquino, would depend on the recommendations of Ambassador to Japan Manolo Lopez.

In expressing condolences, the President signed the Book of Condolence at the embassy.

The Book of Condolence is where people may record their messages of sympathy following a death or great tragedy.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Aquino communicated his messages of sympathy to the Emperor of Japan and to Prime Minister Naoto Kan in separate letters on March 13 and March 11, respectively.

After signing the book, Lacierda said Aquino and Katsura discussed the situation in Japan and the President took the opportunity to reiterate his offer of any form of assistance from the Philippine government.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), for its part, will be sending its search and rescue unit to Japan.

SBMA administrator Armand Arreza said the rescue team would be joining other search and rescue groups of Makati and Pasig for a 10-day search and recovery operation.

Arreza said a directive from President Aquino has prompted three of the best search and rescue units in the country to help in humanitarian operations in Japan.

He said the group would be landing at Tokyo’s Yokota Air Base and will be met there by representatives of the Department of Foreign Affairs.

“The SBMA search and rescue team has the capability to help our neighboring countries in times of need, that’s why we’re sending help. We do have the necessary equipment and personnel with appropriate training and experience in this type of operations,” Arreza said.

PAL offers transport of relief supply

Philippine Airlines (PAL) said the company is accepting disaster relief supplies to be transported for free to Japan on space-available basis on any of its regular flights to Narita airport.

PAL president Jaime Bautista said the firm’s chairman Lucio Tan ordered that the flag carrier’s 20 domestic and 25 international points to prepare to accept emergency cargo shipments bound for Japan.

“This is part of our modest contribution to the international relief effort for the survivors of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami. Japan is one of our most important markets and this is but a small way of giving back to the affected communities,” said Bautista.

PAL will give priority to shipments organized by accredited charities, non-profit organizations and reputable civic groups. For inquiries and other information regarding donations for transport, interested parties may contact Ma. Carmen Aquino Sarmiento, executive director of the PAL Foundation through (632) 851-2980; (632) 855-8000 ext. 2563; fax: (632) 852-6096 or visit the PAL Foundation offices at Gate 1, PAL Maintenance Base Complex, Andrews Avenue, Nichols, Pasay City.

The donated cargo would be delivered to counterpart charity organizations in Japan. 

Shipments may also be consigned to PAL’s country manager in Japan, for distribution through PAL offices in the country.

PAL’s gesture of support for the Japan relief effort comes as the pioneer flag carrier marks its 70th anniversary. 

PAL started operations on March 15, 1941 and the firm is recognized as Asia’s first airline.

The airline had also assisted in the organization of Japan Airlines by providing a Douglas DC-3 to serve as JAL’s first aircraft. It also lent pilots and staff to train Japanese flight attendants and other personnel in August 1951.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Office Secretary Ricky Carandang said the Gokongwei-owned Cebu Pacific Airlines has offered to extend assistance to OFWs who want to return to the Philippines to avoid threats of nuclear radiation.

Carandang said he received a call from airline officials who wanted to help repatriate Filipinos.

“They said they would be willing to assist. I got a call from Cebu Pacific last Sunday and they said they would be willing to assist,” he said, clarifying that the government still has to determine first what help it would specifically extend to Japan.

Lacierda said the government has yet to decide whether to send a C-130 military transport aircraft to bring food, goods and medical equipment to Japan, and also accommodate Filipinos during its return flight to Manila. With Ric Sapnu, Rudy Santos, Pia Lee-Brago