China donates P39-M to victims of Jolo blasts

In a tweet on his official account, Locsin thanked Ambassador Zhao Jianhua for the assistance, noting that “a friend in our grief is a friend indeed.” (File photo: Teddy Boy Locsin/Facebook)

MANILA — The Chinese Embassy in Manila is donating 5 million renminbi (about PHP38.9 million) to the victims of the recent terror attack in Jolo, Sulu, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. revealed Thursday.

In a tweet on his official account, Locsin thanked Ambassador Zhao Jianhua for the assistance, noting that “a friend in our grief is a friend indeed.”

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier extended his condolences to the Philippine government in a letter sent to Locsin and reaffirmed Beijing’s resolve against all forms of terrorism.

“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,” the Chinese top envoy said in his message.

He stressed that Beijing “stands ready to strengthen cooperation” with the Philippines in combatting terrorism and safeguarding international and regional peace and stability.

On Wednesday, Hungary also extended 10 million forints (approximately PHP1.89 million) to those affected by the blasts.