QUAKE VICTIM. Jessie Riel Parba, a 15-year-old Grade 9 student of Kasuga National High School in Magsaysay, Davao del Sur was declared dead on arrival at the hospital after he was hit by falling debris in the said school. (Photo courtesy of Ronnie Jhun Otero)
MANILA -- The Japanese and the United States embassies in Manila on Wednesday extended sympathies to the Philippines, particularly the victims of the earthquakes that hit Mindanao on Tuesday.
"Ambassador Koji Haneda offers his sincerest condolences to the families of the victims of the recent earthquakes that struck parts of Mindanao and expresses his sympathies to all those affected," the Japanese Embassy in Manila said in a statement sent to reporters.
It added that Tokyo "fully understands" the hardships caused by natural disasters as Japan is an equally earthquake-prone country.
"We stand in solidarity with the Government and the people of the Philippines," it said.
Meanwhile, the outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim posted on his official social media account message of condolences to the kin of those killed by the powerful quakes.
"I would like to offer our sincerest condolences to the victims of yesterday’s earthquake in Mindanao," he said.
"To those in affected communities, please stay safe and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you," he added.
On Tuesday, a series of powerful earthquakes struck Tulunan, Cotabato in Mindanao, recorded at magnitude 6.6 and felt at 9:04 a.m.
As of October 30, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that a total of 16,365 persons have been affected by the earthquake, with around 4,370 taking temporary shelters in two evacuation centers.
A total of five dead, two missing persons, and 395 injured were reported by the NDRRMC in Regions 10, 11, 12 and the Bangsamoro. (PNA)
