UAE president sends condolences to Marcos over Mindanao quake

Metro Manila, Philippines – United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conveyed his condolences to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following the powerful earthquake that struck Mindanao, as the death toll from the disaster climbed to 37.

In a message to Marcos, the UAE leader expressed sympathy to the victims and their families and wished those injured a speedy recovery.

“President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of condolences to President Ferdinand Marcos of the Republic of the Philippines over the victims of the earthquake that struck southern Philippines, resulting in a number of deaths and injuries, and wished a speedy recovery to all those injured,” the UAE’s state news agency WAM reported Tuesday.

The message came a day after the UAE government formally expressed solidarity with the Philippines following the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday morning.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its condolences to the victims and their families.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims, and to the government and people of the Philippines over this tragedy, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured,” the ministry said.

The UAE joins a growing number of countries that have expressed support for the Philippines as rescue and recovery efforts continue in affected areas.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that the death toll from the earthquake has risen to 37.

Government figures showed that 33 fatalities were recorded in the Soccsksargen region, while four deaths were reported in the Davao region.

At least 144 people were reported injured, although authorities said the figures remain subject to validation as search, rescue and assessment operations continue.

The General Santos City government has declared a state of calamity following the widespread damage caused by the quake.

Authorities also continue to monitor strong aftershocks in the region.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded a magnitude 5.2 aftershock off Sarangani at 7:38 a.m. Tuesday. State seismologists said more than 1,000 aftershocks have been detected since the main earthquake struck on Monday.

Marcos earlier ordered a whole-of-government response to the disaster, directing national agencies to mobilize relief, rescue and recovery operations in affected communities across Mindanao.