PHL Embassy goes on mercy missions to Pinoys in Fukushima

Philippine officials in Japan went on another mercy mission Sunday to Filipinos in Fukushima, a prefecture facing threats of radiation from a quake-crippled nuclear plant. The Philippine Embassy in Tokyo reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that the two teams comprising the consular mission proceeded to Fukushima early Sunday morning. "The consular mission will also inform the Filipino community in Fukushima on the latest developments after the March 11 twin-disasters, on available resources that may help them in assessing their situation, and on Embassy efforts in promoting their welfare," the DFA said in a news release posted on its website. It said the consular mission left Tokyo at 6:30 a.m., and was to visit four locations in Fukushima. From Sukagawa, the team was to proceed to Funehiki Town in Tamura City to meet with the Filipino community there Sunday afternoon. The DFA said there are some 106 Filipinos in Sukagawa while Tamura City is home to some 35 Filipinos. Meanwhile, a second Embassy team was to meet with some 50 Filipinos there at the Marumori-Machizukuri Center near Marumori Town Hall. From Marumori, they were to proceed to Fukushima City to meet some Filipinos there at the Fukushima International Association in the afternoon. There are some some 392 Filipinos in Fukushima City. "The Embassy teams brought with them relief goods consisting of food packs, rice, canned goods, bottled water, blankets and other relief items," the DFA said. It added the Embassy teams are expected to return to Tokyo late Sunday evening. Earlier, the Embassy reported that there are no Filipinos hurt in Miyagi and Iwate prefectures which were hit by aftershocks following the 7.1 magnitude earthquake last Thursday in the northeast region of Japan. Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manuel Lopez said the Embassy will continue to intensify its efforts to assist Filipinos in the affected areas, including bringing food and other supplies. - KBK, GMA News