Türkiye thanks PHL over aid pledge, search & rescue team
THE Embassy of Türkiye thanked the Philippines for sending search-and-rescue efforts currently providing humanitarian aid to the quake-hit country.
In expressing its gratitude to Manila, Ambassador Niyazi Evren Akyol said the “act of solidarity will surely strengthen the already solid bonds of friendship and cooperation between our countries.”
The envoy likewise conveyed his country’s appreciation to the Filipino people after Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez turned over $100,000 in financial assistance for Türkiye earthquake victims in simple rites held inside the Speaker’s Office at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
“…In an event like this, it’s very good to know you have your friends on your side,” expressed Akyol.
Amid the disaster, the ambassador said the people of Türkiye is consoled by the fact that the international community has come out “really strong” to help them, with 99 countries offering assistance to date.
“[We] have on the ground almost 10,400 rescue workers; and of course, the Philippines is one of the major contributors. On that note I would like to express my government’s and my personal heartfelt gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for his leadership, [as well as] for his swift instruction for Philippine authorities to get into action,” the diplomat stated.
He noted that within 48 hours of the disaster, there was a Philippine search-and-rescue and medical team of 82 young Filipino “heroes” in Türkiye braving extreme cold to provide assistance.
In addition, he said the Philippine Red Cross has also provided assistance to the quake survivors.
The envoy also said he was extremely grateful for the gesture of the House of Representatives, led by Romualdez.
“The very fact that you thought about this is enough for us. And your generosity is most heart-warming and touching in this hour of need,” Akyol relayed. “The fact that you thought about this, that you made an organization to make this happen is much, much appreciated, Speaker. Thank you!”
In response, Romualdez said the people of the Philippines will continue to support the emergency and relief operations in Türkiye.
“The Filipino people…benefitted so much from the compassion of Turkish volunteers,” said the Speaker, as he recalled the assistance sent by Türkiye after Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name Haiyan) struck Leyte and many parts of Eastern Samar in November 2013.
“We will be here with you, as Türkiye was always with us in Haiyan/ Yolanda, and all the other disasters,” Romualdez said.
DFA, embassies engaged
IN Ankara, the Philippine Embassy lowered the tricolor at half-mast, as it joined the global community in mourning the deaths following the catastrophic temblor.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of all those affected in Kahramanmaraş, Gaziantep, Hatay, Osmaniye, Adiyaman, Malatya, Sanliurfa, Adana, Diyarbakir, and Kilis,” it said.
Last week the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed that aside from Türkiye, assistance will be provided to earthquake-affected Filipinos in Syria.
DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said both the Philippine deputations in Ankara and Damascus have activated their crisis control management when the 7.8-magnitude rocker rattled southern Türkiye.
“They will do what needs to be done, and bring what needs to be brought to actually be able to address the needs…raised by different [Filipino communities],” Daza told reporters in a briefing.
She said the two embassies have a contingency plan to secure necessary assistance for distressed Filipinos, and ensure there is representation with the host government if repatriation is needed.
Both, Daza added, are in touch with the Filipino groups in their jurisdiction.
“They will contact all the leaders to check on the conditions of the Filipinos and the members of that particular group,” she confirmed. “This is something that has actually happened and is continuing, because it’s not an easy task—especially if there’s a national disaster.”