Marcos says PH collaborating with Japan to ensure Pinoys' safety after quake

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Tuesday assured that the Philippine government has been working closely with the Japanese government to ensure the welfare of Filipinos following the devastating 7.6-magnitude earthquake at the Ishikawa Prefecture on New Year's Day.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Marcos said, "We are deeply saddened to hear of the magnitude-7.6 earthquake in Japan on New Year's Day. We are in close collaboration with the Japanese government to secure the welfare of our kababayans, who thankfully remain unharmed."

The President also vowed to help Japan following this natural disaster that claimed the lives of at least six people.

"We have made the offer to assist in any way that we can. In the face of shared climate challenges within the Pacific Ring of Fire, we stand united with Japan and stay ready to provide support from the Philippines," Marcos said.

Thirty-five Filipinos in Japan have been evacuated from their homes due to the threat of a possible tsunami after the strong earthquake, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Mylene Garcia-Albano has slid

Albano said the Filipinos who evacuated were reported in Ishikawa Prefecture, which is the worst-affected area of the earthquake.

Japanen's Ambassador to the Philippines Koshikawa Kazuhiko, meanwhile, offered prayers for those affected by the quake.

Prayers for all

"I believe many Filipinos are concerned about the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan today. My heartfelt prayers for the safety and well-being of all affected, including our fellow Filipinos in Japan. Let's stand together in support during these challenging times," said the Japanese ambassador on X on Monday.

Japanese authorities earlier warned of a possible tsunami with big waves of up to five meters along coastal areas.

Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega has said there were no Filipino casualties in the earthquake, quoting the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers.

Helping hand

Following the President's offer to extend assistance, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) expressed readiness Tuesday to help Japan in the aftermath of the disaster.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and make necessary arrangements for the possible support that we can extend," OCD administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno said in a statement.

Nepomuceno said, "We extend our sympathies to the Japanese government, one of our closest partners in disaster risk reduction and management. Rest assured that the OCD is willing to extend assistance to support the ongoing response operations."

According to a Reuters report on Tuesday, at least 30 people were killed in the earthquake. — with a report from Joviland Rita/ VDV, GMA Integrated News