The Korean Embassy on Wednesday donated P5 million to displaced victims of the raging armed conflict in Marawi City through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC).
Korean Ambassador Kim Jae-shin turned over the donation to PRC chair Sen. Richard Gordon as a demonstration of the two countries’ long history and friendship since the Korean War.
“On behalf of the Korean government, I would like to extend my sympathy to all evacuees of Marawi City. Our donation, even if it’s not big … is a token of our friendship with the Philippines,” Kim said.
“I hope the donations will relieve difficulty for some evacuees in Marawi. We Koreans hope this instance will be solved as soon as possible… The next steps will be the Koreans’ participation in the rehabilitation and rebuilding of Marawi,” Kim said.
“We cannot forget the participation of Filipino soldiers during the Korean War. When we think of the casualties, it is not really acceptable. We will walk together to deter terrorism,” he said.
During the turnover ceremony, Gordon showed Kim a map of Lake Lanao and briefed him about the current state of Marawi City, and the assistance given by the PRC in terms of relief and psychosocial support.
“Your donation will go a very long way,” Gordon said, noting that Korea has always been a good partner of the PRC.
Gordon said the PRC was providing clothing, portable toilets, maternity goods and medical support.
He said access to movies and child-friendly spaces to the victims would also be provided.