King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden and Japan’s Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro have extended condolences to the Philippines following the widespread destruction and loss of lives caused by Typhoon Tino (international name: Kalmaegi).
In a telegram dated 06 November and addressed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., King Carl XVI Gustaf conveyed the sympathies of the Swedish royal family.
“The Queen and I wish to express our deepest and most sincere condolences on the tragic loss of lives caused by the devastating typhoon,” the King said in a message relayed through the Embassy of Sweden in Manila. “We also wish to offer our heartfelt sympathies to the families of the victims and to the people of the Philippines.”
Typhoon Tino battered large parts of the Visayas and Mindanao earlier this week, leaving extensive damage in its wake.
The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) reported on Saturday that fatalities have climbed to 204, with Cebu recording the highest number at 141, along with 57 missing and 123 injured.
Japan’s Defense Minister Koizumi Shinjiro also expressed his condolences in a message to Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., assuring Manila of Tokyo’s readiness to assist in relief and recovery efforts.
“Japan is ready to provide support and cooperation that the Philippines needs in these situations. Japan always stands with the Philippines, an important neighbor, in overcoming this time of difficulties,” Koizumi said in an X post on Saturday.
“Precious lives were lost, and serious damages were brought by the typhoon that hit central Philippines. I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to the victims and express my sympathy to their families,” he added.
Koizumi also expressed sorrow over the deaths of Philippine Air Force personnel who perished in a helicopter crash while conducting disaster relief operations.
“Furthermore, I would also like to convey how deeply I am saddened to learn of the death of the members of the Philippine Air Force due to the helicopter mishap while engaged in disaster relief operations. I also wish to convey my deepest sympathies to their families during this time of sorrow,” he said.
He likewise extended a sincere prayer for the “swift recovery of the affected people as well as the prompt restoration of the affected areas.”
The OCD said that search, rescue, and recovery operations are continuing in the hardest-hit areas, while government agencies and local governments work to restore power and communication lines.
President Marcos has thanked the international community for its messages of sympathy and offers of assistance, saying such gestures “reflect the enduring friendship and solidarity of nations in times of tragedy.”
Typhoon Tino, the 18th tropical cyclone to hit the country this year, exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday but left behind billions of pesos in infrastructure and agricultural damage.