Duterte sends sympathies to Indonesia ahead of ASEAN meet

MANILA, Philippines — Ahead of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Leaders Gathering in Bali, President Duterte extended his sympathies to Indonesia after thousands were killed during the recent earthquake in Sulawesi followed by the tsunami in Palu.

“The Filipino nation extends its most sincere sympathies to our Indonesian brothers and sisters affected by the recent earthquake and tsunami,”  presidential spokesman Harry Roque said yesterday.

“The Philippines stands with Indonesia during this most difficult time and is ready to provide assistance to Indonesia,” he added.

On orders of the President, Roque said the Philippine government will provide financial assistance through the ASEAN Coordinating Center for Humanitarian Assistance on Disaster Management.

“The Philippine government is ready to send relief items and a medical team at the soonest possible time,” Roque said.

“This is a time for ASEAN solidarity. The Philippines will do its part, no matter how modest, to help ensure that the challenges Indonesia currently faces will be overcome,” he added.

The ASEAN Leaders Gathering in the coming week in Bali is aimed at maintaining the solid partnership of ASEAN countries’ leaders in managing economic growth in a bid to foster better prosperity, equality and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.