Embassy seeks aid for Philippine ferry victim
Embassy seeks aid for Philippine ferry victims
Web posted at: 6/24/2008 2:33:15
Source ::: The Peninsula
doha • The Philippine Embassy in Qatar has called upon all Filipino residents and other benevolent people and organizations in Qatar to extend help for the hundreds of victims of the recent maritime tragedy that struck the country on Saturday.
“It is very unfortunate that the tragedy has resulted in the loss of many lives,” Philippine Ambassador to Qatar Isaias F Begonia said.
Asked if there was anybody in Qatar whose relatives have perished in the tragedy, he said so far the Embassy has not received any information yet. MV Princess of Stars sank 3km from Sibuyan Island on Saturday and reports say that dozens have been rescued while hundreds are feared dead.
Ambassador Begonia said that the catastrophe has caused a lot of concern for the Philippines especially this time when typhoons are causing havoc to many parts of the country.
In response to the disaster, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has made an appeal for help to all Filipino Overseas Workers (OFWs), Ambassador Begonia informed.
He said that President Arroyo has called for OFWs to come together and help alleviate the victims’ sufferings, adding that she has also urged Philippine embassies to put up a fund for the victims.
In response to the President’s call, the Philippine Embassy in Qatar welcomes any help from Filipino residents as well as other concerned groups. “We hope that everyone will come to the aid of the victims,” Ambassador Begonia added.
