By Ma. Teresa Montemayor
MANILA – The international community has rallied behind the Philippines, pouring in messages of sympathy and offers of assistance following a devastating magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck southern Mindanao on Monday.
Key allies and global partners, including Japan, France, China, Canada, Australia, Germany, the Czech Republic, and the European Union expressed solidarity with the Filipino people as recovery efforts begin.
Japanese Minister Sanae Takaichi extended her deepest condolences, affirming Tokyo's readiness to dispatch aid.
"I am deeply saddened by reports that the major earthquake that struck off Mindanao in the southern Philippines today has caused damage, including the collapse of buildings," Takaichi said in a statement.
"I extend my heartfelt condolences to all those who lost their lives and to their bereaved families, and my sincere sympathies to all those affected."
She added "Japan stands ready to provide all possible assistance that the Philippines may need, based on local needs" and reiterated that "Japan always stands with the people of the Philippines."
United Arab Emirates (UAE) President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of condolences to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. over the victims of the powerful earthquake, extending his sympathies to the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to all those injured.
In a separate statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) also expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the Philippines.
The French Embassy in Manila also conveyed its grief over the casualties and destruction recorded in the aftermath of the tremor.
"France is deeply saddened by the loss of lives and the damage caused by the earthquake that struck Mindanao this morning," the embassy statement read.
"France extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims and expresses its full solidarity with the Filipino people and the authorities responding to this disaster."
The Chinese Embassy in Manila sent messages of solidarity to the affected families.
"We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and damage caused by the earthquake in Mindanao," the embassy said.
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Philippine people, mourn those who lost their lives, and express our sincere sympathies to the bereaved families and all those affected by the disaster."
Meanwhile, Canadian officials posted a unified message of support, noting specific hard-hit areas in the southern region.
The Embassy of Canada in the Philippines said it extends its deepest sympathy to the residents of Sarangani, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and nearby provinces in southern Mindanao affected by the tremor.
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman echoed this sentiment.
"We stand in solidarity and are ready to assist," he said.
German Ambassador Andreas Pfaffernoschke also assured the Philippines of his country's continued support throughout the disaster response phase.
"I am deeply saddened by the earthquake that struck the regions of Mindanao. We extend our heartfelt thoughts & sympathies to the victims, their loved ones, and all communities affected," he said.
"As recovery efforts continue, Germany stands in solidarity with the Philippines during this difficult time."
The European Union (EU) ambassador to the Philippines also expressed solidarity with the local responders on the ground.
"My thoughts are with all those affected and the responders assisting impacted communities. The European Union stands in solidarity with the people of Mindanao and the Philippines," EU envoy Massimo Santoro said.
In a separate statement, the Czech Embassy in Manila extended its comforting thoughts to the displaced and grieving citizens.
"Our thoughts are with the injured, displaced, and grieving, and we stand in solidarity as recovery begins," it said.
Australian Ambassador Marc Innes-Brown joined the diplomatic community in wishing for a quick recovery for the affected communities in Mindanao.
"Our thoughts go out to those affected by today's earthquakes off Mindanao. Our deepest condolences to those who lost loved ones," Innes-Brown said. "Wishing the injured and communities affected a speedy recovery."
NZ expresses readiness to help
New Zealand is ready to extend assistance to the Philippines in its response to the aftermath of the magnitude 7.8 earthquake.
“As a country that suffers its fair share of earthquakes, our thoughts are with the people of the Philippines,” New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a statement dated June 8. “New Zealand stands ready to assist, should that be helpful.”
Also on Monday, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed President Marcos to convey his sympathies to the families affected by the powerful quake.
“Saddened by the loss of lives and destruction caused by today’s earthquake in Mindanao, Philippines. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he said. “India stands in solidarity with the people and the Government of the Philippines.”
The embassy of the United States has also sent its thoughts and expressed solidarity with Mindanao
The magnitude 7.8 earthquake rocked Sarangani province at 7:37 a.m. on June 8, just as classes in public schools officially opened.
In several videos that had gone online, commercial establishments and school buildings were seen collapsing from the powerful jolt, with intensities ranging from I to VIII across Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, Soccsksargen, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), and Caraga.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Tuesday it has 36 dead, 167 injured, and four missing persons following the earthquake. (PNA)
