President Tharman, PM Wong send condolences to President Marcos, typhoon victims in Philippines
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Flooding brought by high tide and Super Typhoon Fung-wong in a town in the Philippine province of Pampanga on Nov 10.
PHOTO: REUTERS
SINGAPORE – President Tharman Shanmugaratnam sent his deepest condolences to Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr for the deaths and destruction wrought by two typhoons in the Philippines in November.
In his Nov 12 letter, Mr Tharman added that Singapore stands in solidarity with the Philippines during this difficult time.
“On behalf of the people of Singapore, I convey my deepest condolences for the loss of lives and widespread damage wrought by Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan in the Philippines,” he said.
He added that Singapore is ready to assist in the relief efforts, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in a statement on Nov 14.
In his letter to Mr Marcos, Mr Tharman said: “I am certain that under your leadership and with the resilience of your people, the Philippines will overcome this adversity and emerge stronger.”
Typhoon Tino, also called Typhoon Kalmaegi, killed at least 188 people in the Philippines and caused untold damage to infrastructure and farmland across the Philippine archipelago in early November.
Less than a week later, Super Typhoon Uwan, also labelled Fung-wong, caused at least 25 deaths in the Philippines. At least 1.4 million people were evacuated pre-emptively, limiting the number of fatalities.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, in a letter to President Marcos on Nov 13, said he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives and devastation caused by Typhoon Tino and Super Typhoon Uwan, so soon after recent natural disasters.
“On behalf of the Government of Singapore, I convey our heartfelt condolences to you and the people of the Philippines,” he said.
PM Wong added that the thoughts and prayers of Singaporeans are with the families who have lost their loved ones, those who have been injured and all the communities facing the immense task of recovery.
He also said he was confident that under the leadership of Mr Marcos, the people of the Philippines will overcome this difficult period with strength and fortitude.
“Singapore stands ready to provide assistance to the Philippines. Please do not hesitate to let me know how we can contribute,” he added.
MFA, in its statement, added that it is closely monitoring the situation in the Philippines and has reached out to e-registered Singaporeans in the affected areas to provide consular assistance.
It said: “Singaporeans in the affected areas are advised to remain vigilant, take all necessary precautions for their personal safety and heed the instructions of the local authorities.
“Currently, there are no reports of Singaporeans injured as a result of the typhoons.”
MFA added that Singaporeans who are in or travelling to the Philippines are strongly encouraged to e-register with the ministry at and to buy comprehensive travel insurance.
Singaporeans in the Philippines who require consular assistance can contact the Singapore Embassy in Manila or the 24-hour MFA Duty Office, it said.
