Canadian defense minister David McGuinty on Friday expressed Canada’s “heartfelt condolences” to the families of scores of people who died during the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that hit Sarangani last Monday.
“Our thoughts are with the families who have lost loved ones, those who have been injured or displaced, and the communities now facing the very difficult task of rebuilding,” McGuinty said in a news conference with visiting Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said the death toll from the quake increased on Friday to 55, from 47 as of Thursday.
The OCD said the number of missing remained at 31 while the tally on injured victims is now at 1,120.
McGuinty noted the resilience and determination of the Filipino people when super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) hit Eastern Visayas in 2013, leaving over 6,000 people dead.
“We know that same strength will carry communities forward once again in the difficult, very difficult days ahead. So please pass on our sincerest condolences and support,” said McGuinty.
Teodoro, who chairs the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, conveyed his “deep appreciation and gratitude” to Canada’s expression of sympathy to those affected by the quake.
“And naturally, with your support and with the resilience of the Filipinos, we shall rebuild,” said Teodoro.