DFA says Philippine 26-man tour group is safe in Hokkaido

September 6, 2018

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), through the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo, is assisting a 26-member tour group from the Philippines that was initially reported trapped at their hotel in Sapporo following this Thursday’s magnitude 6.7 earthquake.

Ambassador to Japan Jose C. Laurel has informed Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter  Cayetano that the members of the group are all safe and accounted for, a DFA statement said.

Laurel said the Embassy has reached out to the members of the group and is making arrangements to ensure they would have food, water, and accommodations until it is safe for them to leave Sapporo.

The Embassy continues to monitor the condition of the 1,800 members of the Filipino Community in Sapporo and other areas in Hokkaido that were affected by the earthquake even as authorities confirmed there were no Filipinos among the injured, DFA said.

Meanwhile, government sports radio station dzSR said a Philippine cycling team has been stranded in Hokkaido after the earthquake forced the cancellation of the three-day UCI Tour of Hokkaido which starts Friday.

The 7Eleven Road Bike team is composed of Mark Galedo,  Daniel Carino, Warren Bordeous, two Japanese members and Road Bike Philippines founder Bong Sual. Bong Advincula, 7Eleven Road Bike administrator, and Galedo's wife, Grace, told dzSR they are safe.

Laurel said electricity has been restored in Sapporo and convenience stores and key establishments have reopened.  He said the Embassy stands ready to provide assistance to affected Filipinos if needed. Filipinos affected by the earthquake who may require assistance may contact the Embassy at: +8180 4928 7979.

Next of kin in the Philippines may contact the Office of Migrant Workers Affairs at (+632) 834-4996 and oumwa@dfa.gov.ph during office hours and DFA Action Center +632 834-3333 or 834-4997 after office hours. DMS