The Philippine government has expressed readiness to provide assistance, particularly disaster response deployments, to Japan in the aftermath of the powerful Typhoon Hagibis.

Senator Christopher “Bong” Go gave this assurance in a letter addressed to Japanese Ambassador to Manila Koji Haneda, a copy of which was sent to the media on Tuesday.

“As instructed by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, I would like to convey the Philippines’ readiness to provide assistance to the government of Japan,” Go said.

“Our first responders including those from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Davao City Risk Reduction Management Council-Response Cluster Team and other Philippine relief organizations, stand ready for deployment to help in your disaster relief and recovery efforts,” Go added.

Go also expressed his solidarity with and condolences to the Japanese people, especially those who lost loved ones.

Go is part of the “lean delegation” of President Duterte in his two-day trip to Japan, along with Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Jose Laurel V, Special Envoy to Japan for Trade and Market Access Feliciano Belmonte Jr., and Chief of President Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Robert Borje.

Duterte arrived in Japan early Tuesday to attend the historic enthronement ceremony of Emperor Naruhito.

Duterte will be with his daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, during the Emperor’s enthronement ceremony at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo Tuesday afternoon. (PNA)