Indonesia Gives Aid To Bhopa Victim

Jakarta, Dec 12 (ANTARA) - Indonesia`s military commander, Admiral Agus Suhartono, on behalf of the Indonesian government, gave aid to the victims of the Pablo typhoon (Bhopa) that shook Mindanao, Philippines. "This donation reflects the solidarity and friendship between the neighbours, which belong to the ASEAN," said the Indonesian Foreign Ministry`s information and media director, PLE Priatna, on Wednesday. Priatna said 4 tonnes of fast food, milk, blankets, shower kits, sanitary napkins and medicines were carried by several Air Force planes. He said Admiral Agus Suhartono was accompanied by the Indonesian ambassador to the Philippines. The Indonesian consulate general donated close to US1 million dollar to Liza Mazo, Director of Office of Civil Defence in Region 11. "The Indonesian consulate general in Davao city donated money to the victims of the Pablo typhoon (Bhopa) in Andap village on December 8," he said. The staff at the Indonesian consulate general and the people of the Davao city donated close to US$3 thousand to the victims of the Pablo typhoon. "Moreover, the commander`s visit to the Philippines is aimed at increasing military cooperation between the two countries, as stated in the Philippines-Indonesia Military Cooperation Framework (The Philindo MC)," he stated. Priatna said the agreement on the cooperation framework was signed by Admiral Agus Suhartono and Chief Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, in Davao city between December 9 and 10, 2012. He said several Indonesian commanders received the Award of the Philippine Legion of Honour, which is one of the highest awards given by the government of the Philippines to commanders of the armed forces. "The Indonesian military commanders also visited several contingents involved in the International Monitoring Team (IMT) in the Philippines," he said.