Obama to Pinoys: We stand with you once more

WASHINGTON – “Today our message to our Filipino allies is that we stand with you once more,” President Barack Obama said, recalling some of the areas affected by Typhoon Yolanda were the same places where American and Filipino soldiers fought side by side – or died – to liberate the Philippines from the Japanese in World War II.

“In the difficult days ahead, we’ll do our part to help you recover. And as you rebuild from this terrible storm, you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America,” he said in a statement issued by the White House on Wednesday.

There has been an outpouring of support from the US government, Congress and the American people for the typhoon victims. The US media have criticized Filipino officials for not anticipating the magnitude of the disaster and moving too slowly in aiding the victims.

Bipartisan resolution

The House Foreign Affairs Committee headed by Republican Ed Royce introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing deep sympathy and support to the people of the Philippines for the loss of life and massive destruction wrought by Yolanda.

The resolution expressed US commitment to provide assistance and also urged other nations and international organizations for relief and reconstruction assistance.

Other House members including Janice Hann from California and Colleen Hanabusa from Hawaii, both Democrats, have issued their own statements of support for the Philippines.

“The friendship between our two countries runs deep and when our friends are in trouble, America helps. That’s why, as I pledged to President Aquino, the United States will continue to offer whatever assistance we can,” said Obama in his statement.

He encouraged Americans who want to help to visit the White House website for information on how to make donations, saying “even small contributions can make a big difference and help lives.”

Potential fraud

Meanwhile, the US Department of Justice, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) advised the public of potential fraud in the raising of donations for disaster victims.

In a statement, officials said suspected fraudulent activity pertaining to relief efforts associated with Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda should be reported to a toll-free NCDF hotline staffed by an operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The FBI warned the public to be vigilant and careful before giving to anyone soliciting donations on behalf of disaster victims.

NCDF was established in 2005 by the Department of Justice to investigate, prosecute and deter fraud associated with federal disaster relief programs following Hurricane Katrina.