Trump offers additional assistance to Philippines for COVID-19

April 21, 2020

US President Donald Trump has offered additional assistance to the Philippines as it battles the COVID-19 pandemic, the US Embassy said Tuesday.

Trump made the offer during his phone conversation with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on April 19, according to an embassy statement.

"Both leaders agreed to continue working together as long-time allies to defeat the pandemic, save lives, and restore global economic strength," it said.

Trump also expressed condolences for the loss of 11 Philippine soldiers recently killed while fighting Abu Sayyaf terrorists in Sulu.

In March, the US said it is providing the Philippines nearly P204 million or about $4 million in health assistance to help address the COVID-19 pandemic in Manila and around the country.

The US aid, it said, is aimed at supporting laboratory system preparedness, case-finding and event-based surveillance, technical expert response and preparedness, risk communication, and infection prevention. DMS