Marcos thanks US gov’t for Mindanao calamity aid

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and US Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Loss Carlson have a meeting in Malacañan Palace, Manila on Tuesday, February 13, 2024. (Photo from the Presidential Communications Office)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. thanked the United States (US) government for the aid it extended to the victims of calamities in Mindanao, said the Palace on Wednesday.

Mindanao has been battered by heavy rains and floods since January, with a major landslide in Davao de Oro claiming the lives of at least 68 people.

READ: INQToday: Death toll in Davao de Oro landslide climbs to 68

Marcos extended his gratitude to US Ambassador to the Philippines Marykay Loss Carlson in a courtesy call in Malacañan Palace.

“President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed gratitude on Tuesday to the United States government for extending emergency assistance to communities affected by the recent calamity in Mindanao,” said the Palace in a statement released the day after the meeting.

Carlson said that the US was ready to help the Philippines.

“When you ask and you need it, we are here,” Carlson told Marcos.

According to the statement from the US government, the Philippine government also requested the use of two C-130 planes to help the Department of Social Welfare and Development distribute aid in the affected areas.

The US Ambassador also said Washington sent $1.25 million or around P70 million worth of emergency support.

READ: Teachers, students affected by Mayon activity get P9.7-M worth of US aid