This photo taken by Taiwan’s Central News Agency (CNA) on April 3, 2024 shows a damaged building in Hualien, after a major earthquake hit Taiwan’s east. At least one person was feared dead and nearly 60 injured on April 3 by a powerful earthquake in Taiwan that damaged dozens of buildings and prompted tsunami warnings that extended to Japan and the Philippines before being lifted. (Photo by CNA / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has assured Filipinos in Taiwan that the government is ready to assist them in the wake of a magnitude 7.5 earthquake that hit the area Wednesday morning.
In a tweet, Marcos also expressed his sympathies to the people of Taiwan and added that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) is working to ensure the safety of Filipinos there.
“Our hearts are with the people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath of today’s powerful earthquake,” the Chief Executive said.
“Rest assured, our Department of Migrant Workers is diligently ensuring the safety of the 159,480 Filipinos currently residing in Taiwan. We stand ready to assist and support our fellow Filipinos in Taiwan in any way possible during this difficult period,” he added.
Our hearts are with the people of Taiwan as they endure the aftermath of today's powerful earthquake.
Rest assured, our Department of Migrant Workers is diligently ensuring the safety of the 159,480 Filipinos currently residing in Taiwan.
We stand ready to assist and support…
— Bongbong Marcos (@bongbongmarcos) April 3, 2024
According to initial reports, at least four were killed, and nearly 60 were injured after the powerful earthquake.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said earlier that no Filipinos were hurt following the magnitude 7.5 earthquake, but preemptive protocols have been established to ensure the safety of all Filipino nationals in Taiwan.
READ: Filipinos safe after magnitude 7.5 quake hit Taiwan – DFA’s initial report
The earthquake in Taiwan, one of the strongest to affect the island in decades, also triggered tsunami warnings in the Philippines and Japan.