Tourism chief defends London trip during Typhoon Tino onslaught

Metro Manila, Philippines - Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco confirmed she was in London for work amid the onslaught of Typhoon Tino, which killed over a hundred people in her home province of Cebu.

In a Facebook post, Frasco said she landed in London, England on Nov. 4 and took a flight back to the Philippines the next day after finding out the extent of the devastation.

“I arrived in London on the morning of November 4 as head of the Philippine Delegation at the World Travel Market. I represented the country at the Ministerial Summit and also led the opening of the Philippine Stand in the evening,” Frasco said.

“When we arrived today, November 6, we proceeded directly to Liloan,” she said.

Frasco said she visited Liloan with her husband Cebu Rep. Duke Frasco and Liloan Mayor Aljew Frasco to check on the affected families.

The tourism chief discussed with other officials the relief efforts, including the distribution of food packs and financial aid.

Some Filipinos aired on social media their queries on the whereabouts of some Cebu officials as “Tino” ravaged the country.

READ: Calls for #JusticeForCebu resound after ‘Tino’ devastation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a national state of calamity after the typhoon’s wrath.