MANILA, (PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III said he was flying to Bohol Wednesday afternoon to join people near the epicenter of the quake to ease their anxiety on the possible dangers on the ground.
The President told the participants of 39th Philippine Business Conference and Expo at the Manila Hotel that he won’t be able to attend his intended appearance on Thursday because he will be in Bohol Wednesday and Thursday.
“I’m scheduled to speak before you tomorrow but unfortunately there is an issue that I have to address in Bohol. As you know, a lot of our countrymen are still, shall I say, unsettled because the aftershocks will be continuing for about two to three weeks,” the President said in his message.
He said he received text messages from the residents in Bohol fearing that there are impending dangers that are still lurking. He said easing the anxiety of the people in Bohol is a very high priority at this point.
He will be in Bohol Wednesday afternoon and will stay overnight in the most hard-hit area and to tell the people to believe the PHIVOLCS and the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau statements that said major danger has already lapsed or has already passed.
“And I believe it is my duty to be with them at this point in time because the unnecessary anxiety is creating far more problems for the community that I think as President I should be at the rescue,” he said.
At the same time, the President said he will also assess the efficiency of government’s relief efforts and tell the people about the government’s initiatives to rebuild damaged infrastructures in the province.
“I thank you on behalf of our countrymen. I wish you success in all of your endeavors and as always we pledge government support for all of the worthwhile and noble intentions to the full uplifting a lot of our countrymen,” the President said.