US thanks GMA for ‘Katrina’ aid

The United States Embassy in Manila thanked the Philippines for its humanitarian assistance to Americans whose homes were ravaged by hurricane "Katrina" in the US mainland.

In an interview aired over the state-run television network NBN-4 Thursday night, US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Darryl Johnson said he personally conveyed Washington’s thanks to President Arroyo for ordering a 25-member assistance team to be sent to New Orleans.

"The Philippines was among the first as a government and as a people, of course, who have been warm in their response" to the disaster, Johnson said.

He added that the US is "most appreciative of this expression of support. We hope that the offer of medical technicians who can come and help the people who are suffering in New Orleans and the other areas can be realized soon."

Johnson said coordination centers have been set up in hurricane-ravaged areas in the US to sort out the various offers of assistance from other countries.

Malacañang last week said the Philippines will send a 25-member team to assist hurricane victims in the states of Louisiana and Mississippi.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the first 10 members of the team — doctors, nurses, and sanitary engineers — are scheduled to leave in the coming days.

The Philippine National Red Cross also donated $25,000 for the hurricane victims.

Mrs. Arroyo earlier expressed sympathy for hundreds of hurricane victims, saying "America has never hesitated to come to the aid of distressed Filipinos in times of disaster."

"We also feel the anguish of death and destruction of a friend and ally across the Pacific," she said.

The President said Filipinos and the Philippine government wish the American people a speedy recovery from the calamity.