ASEAN lauds Philippines for early warning on 'Glenda'

MANILA, Philippines —  The Association of Southeast Asian Nations, expressed sympathy to the Philippines in the aftermath of powerful typhoon "Glenda."

In a recent letter to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario, ASEAN Secretary General Le Luong Minh said the 10-nation bloc regrets the "loss of lives and properties in the communities of Bicol and Southern Luzon regions which have been affected" by the typhoon.

Glenda, known internationally as Typhoon Ramassun, killed a total of at least 165 people in China, Vietnam, Taiwan and the Philippines, where 98 died and five were missing.

The ASEAN chief also commended the Philippine government for its early warning efforts and implementation of disaster preparedness plans, which he said prevented greater loss and damages.

Minh, a Vietnamese, acts as the organization's Humanitarian Assistance Coordinator ensuring ASEAN’s coordinated response to any disaster in the region.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said Manila will spearhead a high-level conference in Manila in August to encourage international partners to continue providing support and assistance to the Philippines in its recovery and rehabilitation efforts after Typhoon Yolanda. - with AP