China donates P38.8M for Jolo blast victims
MANILA, Philippines — The Chinese Embassy in Manila has pledged to donate 5 million renminbi or approximately P38.8 million for those who were affected by the twin bombings of a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. confirmed this on his official Twitter account.
"Chinese (Ambassador) Zhao (Jianhua) is donating 5 million RMB to the families of the blast victims in the Jolo Cathedral," Locsin said on Thursday.
CHINESE Amb Zhao is donating 5 million RMB to the families of the blast victims in the Jolo Cathedral. Thank you so much. A friend in our grief is a friend indeed.
— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) January 31, 2019
Beijing had earlier extended its condolences to the Philippines following the incident at the Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo that left more than 20 persons dead and dozens of others injured.
In a letter sent to Locsin, Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing is ready to strengthen its cooperation with the Philippines in fighting terrorism and safeguarding international and regional peace and stability.
"I was shocked to learn that severe bombings happened in the Sulu province of the Philippines. I strongly condemn this attack and would like to extend my deepest condolences to the victims," Wang said.
The Philippine National Police had admitted that there was a security lapse at the Jolo cathedral on the day that the twin bombings happened.
"Probably because over the years, nothing happened," PNP chief Oscar Albayalde said, adding that previous incidents included the throwing of grenades on the streets.
The police are also not discounting the possibility of a suicide bombing at the Jolo cathedral. — Patricia Lourdes Viray
- Latest
- Trending
