TERRA.WIRE
US brings in relief goods, funds for Philippine landslide victims
MANILA (AFP) Dec 23, 2003
 The United States said Tuesday it was providing 2.7 million pesos (about 49,000 dollars) as well as relief goods to victims of floods and landslides in the central and southern Philippines which have left more than 300 people dead or missing.

The funds were to be given to the local Red Cross office, while a US C-130 military cargo plane was scheduled to deliver medicines, food, blankets and clothes to affected areas, the US embassy said.

US envoy to Manila Francis Ricciardone, who accompanied President Gloria Arroyo in visiting disaster-stricken Panaon island on Tuesday, has expressed "great regret and sympathy" on behalf of President George W. Bush, it said.

The Philippines is a key ally of the US in Southeast Asia.

TERRA.WIRE