Sabah issue won’t strain Phl-Malaysia relations – Palace
MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang believes the close relations between the Philippines and Malaysia will remain despite the fighting in Sabah.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said no change or strain had occurred in the relationship.
“We recognize that this was an attempt by a few that should not affect the relationship of the whole,†he said.
Lacierda said the government continues to help Filipinos affected by the conflict.
“If they need assistance, we will provide them; if they need employment, we will help them; if they need to go back to Sabah, we will provide legal documentation for those who would like to return to Sabah,†he said.
Lacierda said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration are doing everything to help Filipinos who lost their jobs in Sabah.
“But they leave with us their numbers in case some of them would like to go back to Sabah,†he said.
Lacierda said the government is ready to assist displaced Filipinos returning from Sabah.
“Our rapid response teams are there to discuss and to look into the concerns of our evacuees,†he said. “We also have consular access to the first eight detainees. But all those who will be detained and will be charged, we are going to provide legal assistance.â€
The DSWD is continuing relief assistance to Filipinos returning from Sabah. As of yesterday, more than 5,500 evacuees have arrived. Secretary Corazon Soliman said that the DSWD operations center will remain in Sulu and Bongao, Tawi-Tawi while Filipinos fleeing Sabah continue to arrive.
Evacuees are provided food and transportation money to go back to their hometowns upon arrival at the ports of Bongao and Jolo.
Displaced families are provided with family packs containing rice, canned goods, and noodles; hygiene kits with soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush, alcohol, and towels. – With Rainier Allan Ronda, Jaime Laude, Mike Frialde
- Latest
- Trending
