World leaders condole with Phl amid tragedy

SEOUL – South Korean President Park Geun-hye yesterday expressed Korea’s condolences to President Aquino for the devastation the Philippines suffered from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that hit Bohol and Cebu provinces on Tuesday.

The two leaders held talks at the Blue House here, where they witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Philippine and Korean agencies.

She commended Aquino’s handling of the three-week Zamboanga crisis, and expressed wishes for the smooth progress of the peace process the government had initiated for Mindanao.

Park made the remarks in her opening statement after the welcome ceremonies for Aquino, who signed the guest book at the lobby of the Blue House, the Korean seat of government.

Prior to this, Aquino went to the National Cemetery to honor the country’s war heroes.

The South Korean leader, who was elected last February, expressed wishes for the immediate recovery of Bohol and Cebu.

For his part, Aquino said he was grateful for the gesture, noting that it eased his burden knowing that Filipinos are not alone in facing the problem.

Aquino thanked Park for extending assistance for the residents of war-torn Zamboanga City.

The President arrived at the Seoul Air Base at noon yesterday on a chartered Philippine Airlines flight.

With him were Senate President Franklin Drilon, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade Secretary Gregory Domingo, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma and Presidential Management Staff chief Julia Abad.

NZ, Spain express sympathies

Aside from South Korea, the governments of New Zealand, Spain and Taiwan expressed sympathies for the Philippines in the wake of the devastation it incurred from the earthquake.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key has written President Aquino to express his country’s condolences for the quake victims of Bohol and Cebu.

“We were saddened to hear of the loss of lives and damage caused by the earthquake on Tuesday,” said New Zealand Ambassador Reuben Levermore, noting that New Zealanders can relate to the experience as they themselves had suffered major earthquakes.

In a statement, Spain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation said, “On behalf of the Spanish people, the government conveys its most sincere condolences and its sympathy to the authorities and the Filipino people, and particularly, to the families of those affected, and hopes for the early recovery of those injured.”

Taiwan donates $100,000

The government of Taiwan has pledged to donate $100,000 (P4.3 million) for the earthquake victims in Bohol and Cebu.

The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) expressed Taiwan’s condolences for the Philippines, particularly for Filipinos who suffered in the devastation.

Taiwan has been a key partner of the Philippines in providing immediate humanitarian response during natural calamities. This is in line with the Taiwanese President Ma Ying-jeou’s endeavor for Taiwan to play the role of a “provider of humanitarian assistance” in the international community.

TECO is coordinating with the Taiwanese communities in the Philippines and charity organizations such as the Tzu Chi Foundation for the conduct of relief efforts in Central Visayas.

It has asked Bohol Gov. Edgardo Chato to help them facilitate their mission to help the quake victims. – With Pia Lee-Brago