Biden extends condolences to Carina, Habagat victims in PH

United States President Joe Biden has extended his condolences to Filipinos who lost loved ones due to the devastation brought by Tropical Cyclone Carina and the enhanced Southwest Monsoon (Habagat).

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken relayed Biden’s message during his and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin III's joint courtesy call on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. at the Malacañan Palace on Tuesday.

“Let me just start by sending our deepest condolences to all the victims of the recent typhoon and to say again, anything we can do to be of assistance, we welcome doing that,” Blinken told Marcos. 

Thirty-nine people reportedly died due to the Habagat and tropical cyclones Carina and Butchoy, according to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) on Tuesday.

Austin, for his part, also offered his condolences for those who were affected by the inclement weather and the massive flooding it caused in many areas in Luzon. 

“And I've said a number of times that we're more than allies, we're family and it always feels that way when, you know, I'm working with our colleagues,” the US Secretary of Defense said. 

For his part, Marcos thanked the US government for extending its condolences to the Filipino community. 

He also renewed the commitment of the Philippines to strengthen its working relationship with the US. 

“We are very happy to see you once again. I’m a bit surprised considering how interesting your political situation has become back in the States, but I’m glad that you found the time to come and visit with us,” Marcos said. 

Blinken, meanwhile, said they are “very, very pleased” to visit the Philippines, and extended the greetings of Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris. 

Blinken and Austin are in the Philippines for the 4th Philippines-US Foreign and Defense Ministerial Dialogue (2+2 Dialogue), which is hosted by the Philippines for the first time. Previous meetings were held in Washington DC.

In the courtesy call on Marcos, Austin said the US is looking forward to strengthening its bilateral relationship with the Philippines in the next four years, ahead of the November elections. —Giselle Ombay/KBK, GMA Integrated News