Philippine Embassy in Tokyo Sends Teams to Quake-hit Areas
The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo dispatched yesterday (13 March 2011) its first team to Japan’s Tohoku region to check the situation of Filipino nationals in earthquake-affected areas. Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel M. Lopez said that the Embassy dispatched the team to contact local authorities and Filipino community leaders to inquire about casualties and provide basic supplies such as food and water.
The first convoy composed of Vice Consul Ryan Pondoc and Defense Attache Col. Inocencio Silbol joined a convoy with representatives from the Indonesian, Thai, Brunei and Malaysian embassies. They have already
reached Sendai City and have touched base with members of the Filipino community.
A second Embassy team composed of Consul General Sulpicio Confiado and Consular Assistant Anthony Cornista is scheduled to depart today (14 March 2011) to meet with the first team. They will proceed to earthquake-affected areas in Miyagi and Iwate prefectures.
According to Ambassador Lopez, donations of food and other supplies for evacuees are expected to arrive from the various organizations in the Philippines shortly. Those who wish to provide donations may send them to the Embassy of the Philippines at 5-15-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku Tokyo 106-8537.
In the meantime, Filipino nationals are advised that the Embassy’s 24-hour hotline numbers (03)5562-1570, (03)5562-1577 and (03)5562-1590 and email: emergency@tokyophilembassy.net remain operational.
