Timor-Leste is deploying 120 engineers and firefighters to support recovery operations in areas severely affected by Typhoon Tino (Kalmaegi), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) announced Friday.
The DFA welcomed the Southeast Asian nation’s offer of help and expressed gratitude to foreign governments that extended messages of sympathy and solidarity following the typhoon, which struck Cebu and other parts of Central Philippines already reeling from recent earthquakes.
“The Philippines expresses its sincere appreciation to the offers and commitments of humanitarian assistance from the international community for our relief and recovery operations in the aftermath of the widespread destruction to Cebu and other parts of Central Philippines resulting from Typhoon Tino,” the DFA said.
Timor-Leste, the newest member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), joins the United States, Canada, and Australia in offering humanitarian support.
Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines David Hartman earlier said Canada is “ready, willing, and able” to assist once the Philippine government makes a formal request.
“We’re very conscious of not wanting to overwhelm authorities and get in the way — There’s no request yet from the Philippine side, we’re waiting for that absolutely,” Hartman said.
DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona confirmed on Friday that the Philippines has not yet made an official request for international assistance.